Sustainable design to provide ‘new heart’ for city centre

UNStudio’s proposal has won the competition for a new mixed-use development in Düsseldorf, concluding the two-phase contest after a public presentation of the final designs. The ‘new heart’ of Düsseldorf's northern city centre will welcome two sustainable, mixed-use towers with heights of up to 120 metres, surrounding a low-rise community pavilion. Featuring a broad mix of uses on the 10,000  sq m site, the development is designed to meet the future needs of a sustainable city.

Differentiating itself from nearby single towers on the city's skyline, the two slender towers encircle the community centre, with a massing that enables enhanced ventilation. Deep balconies and terraces, a public park, and a neighbourhood square create lively public spaces, while offering opportunities for temporary events. The jury praised the winning concept for the varied possibilities it offers residents and visitors, stating: “In the future, the users of the quarter will be able to organise their daily lives centrally in one place, as the offer will also include gastronomy, medical services, sports, fitness, a mobility hub, day care centre, and local supply as well as cultural offers or edutainment.”

A sustainable structure concept will result in estimated CO2 savings of 34%, including an energy generating facade with integrated PV surfaces alongside prefabricated, recyclable and circular facade modules. The proposed energy supply entails the use of geothermal heating and cooling, district heating supply, PV as both a roof and facade system and E-mobility charging infrastructure. In addition, an indoor climate concept is set to offer the highest level of comfort and flexibility.

Ben van Berkel, founder and principal architect of UNStudio, stated: "We are delighted that our proposal has been selected for this key location in Dusseldorf. Our design is not only highly sustainable and healthy for the people who will live, work and visit, it also supports a highly diverse mix of functions that will enliven the site around the clock and add a cultural edge to this area of the city. It will truly celebrate the connecting power of culture and high-quality public space."

Lucy Nordberg
Tenderstream Head of Research

This tender was first published by Tenderstream on 24.03.2023 here

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