Cologne architecture news 2025, NRW buildings, DE construction design, German property images

Cologne Architecture News

Modern North Rhine-Westphalia architectural developments. Contemporary Northwest Germany built environment designs.

post updated 14 September 2025

Cologne Architecture Designs – chronological list

29 January 2025
Koelnmesse, Cologne, Germany conference hall, Köln
Design: JSWD

photo : HG Esch
Koelnmesse plans to upgrade its inner-city campus and expand its exhibition schedule by 2030. The investment program, “Koelnmesse 3.0”, laid the foundation for this future expansion and enhancement of the grounds.

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Johannes XXIII church, district of Lindenthal in Cologne
Date built: 1968
architect Hans Schilling ; sculptor Josef Rikus

photos © Daniel Lomholt-Welch

The Johannes XXIII Church in Cologne, Germany, is an architectural masterpiece designed by the renowned architect Hans Schilling. Completed in 1968, the church is a striking example of post-war modernist architecture, reflecting the progressive spirit of the Second Vatican Council. Dedicated to Pope John XXIII, who initiated the Council, the church embodies the Catholic Church’s efforts to embrace modernity while maintaining spiritual traditions.

Architecturally, the church is known for its minimalist, brutalist style, characterized by the use of raw concrete and simple geometric forms. Its most distinctive feature is the dramatic, sweeping roof that rises asymmetrically over the building, giving the structure a dynamic and sculptural appearance. The roof not only serves as a striking visual element but also enhances the acoustics inside the church, creating a serene, meditative atmosphere.

The interior of Johannes XXIII Church is equally impressive. Schilling’s design focuses on creating a sense of openness and inclusivity, aligning with the ideals of the Second Vatican Council. The altar, placed centrally in the church, symbolizes the unity of the congregation, with the seating arranged around it in a semi-circular fashion. This layout encourages active participation in the liturgy, breaking from the traditional hierarchical arrangement of older church designs.

Natural light plays a significant role in the church’s atmosphere. The large windows and strategically placed openings allow light to pour into the space, emphasizing the minimalist interior and creating a sense of divine presence. The concrete walls, though stark, are softened by the interplay of light and shadow, adding a spiritual dimension to the modernist design.

Johannes XXIII Church remains a symbol of modern ecclesiastical architecture and a reflection of the Catholic Church’s engagement with contemporary culture, making it an important cultural and spiritual landmark in Cologne.

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Cologne Architecture Designs – chronological list

Cologne Architecture Tours

Cologne Architecture Tours by e-architect – for groups by prior booking only.

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Architektur Köln – News

Nordrhein-Westfalen Arkitektur

14 Mar 2022
Church of the Pilgrimage – Neviges Mariendom, Neviges, Velbert, North Rhine-Westphalia
Design: Gottfried Böhm Architect

photo © Daniel Lomholt-Welch
New photos added of this architectural design by architect Gottfried Böhm: Maria, Königin des Friedens is a pilgrimage church and parish. The ‘Mariendom’, or ‘Wallfahrtsdom’, is the second largest church in the Diocese of Cologne, after Cologne Cathedral. The concrete structure with an irregular roof and an interior like a forum became the architect’s signature building, and is regarded as one of the important “spatial creations” in 20th-century architecture.

4 Jan 2022
Pigeon Post Bar & Eatery At Hilton Cologne, Marzellenstraße 13-17, 50668 Köln
Design: THDP

photo : Stefan Bunkofer
The new Pigeon Post Bar & Eatery at Hilton Cologne, with a design concept inspired by the history of the hotel and its building – once being a Post Office.

A major new work of modern architecture located close by:

14 Sep 2018
FOM University Düsseldorf Building, north west Germany – Winner of International Architecture Awards 2018
Design: J. MAYER H., Architects

photograph : David Franck
FOM University Düsseldorf – a winner at the International Architecture Awards 2018
An 8,000sqm academic building with auditoriums, lecture halls, and seminar rooms designed by J.MAYER.H architects to house 1,500 students and staff. Non-profit FOM University is Germany’s largest private university.

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1 Mar 2017
Solera Supermarket in Cologne
Architect: Masquespacio

photograph : Luis Beltran
Combining the two disciplines of their founders, interior design and marketing, the Spanish design agency creates branding and interior projects through a unique approach. The architectural studio have worked on design projects in several countries like Norway, USA, Germany and Spain.

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28 Nov 2016
WDR Crossmedia House
Design: HOLODECK architects

render : isochrom

29 Sep 2016
Industrial Harbour Redevelopment in Cologne
Architect: COBE

image Courtesy architecture office
The city’s harbour redevelopment architecture competition was was won by Danish architects office COBE. The project transforms the old industrial harbour into a lively and sustainable neighbourhood with a huge waterfall and a big public pool as the new landmark.

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18 Jun 2015
Cologne University of Music and Dance Campus
Design: HPP Architects

image Courtesy architecture office
HPP International have won the competition to find the general contractor for the extension to Cologne University of Music and Dance Campus and for the conversion of the existing building.

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19 Apr 2011
Kranhaus, Im Zollhafen Nord – luxury apartments
Architect: BTR (Bothe, Richter, Teherani, Hamburg)

picture © Breun
3 buildings – 2 offices buildings and 1 apartment block