Elegance whispers from the walls of the WiSo-Gebäude. Today we will delve into the story of this iconic building. It stands as a testament to post-war modernism.
The WiSo-Gebäude is home to the Faculty of Economics and Social Sciences at the University of Cologne. The university needed more space. So, they built it as one of their first expansion projects. The renowned Cologne architect Wilhelm Riphahn designed it. Construction took place between 1956 and 1960.
The WiSo-Gebäude is a protected monument. It features a nine-story high-rise. A flat base building sits in front of it. The entrance faces the busy Universitätsstraße. It’s right next to the university’s main building. The WiSo-Gebäude also won the Cologne Architecture Prize in 1967.
Originally, the WiSo-Gebäude had a simple design. It included a single-story seminar wing facing the street. But the three polygonal lecture halls stand out. They face the green belt. Three unique garden courtyards provide natural light and ventilation. These courtyards enhance the building’s quality. Ziegelreliefs of Minerva and Mercury decorate the high-rise’s entrance facade. In the courtyard, you can find the bronze sculpture Herakles with the Bow. Antoine Bourdelle, a French sculptor, created it in 1909.
In 2019, the University of Cologne opened a new extension to the WiSo-Gebäude complex. The architectural firm Kister-Scheithauer-Groß designed the five-story new building. It stands in front of the old building’s single-story section. A clear joint separates the old and new structures. Seminar rooms connect to the lecture halls with glass elements. This keeps the view open along the building’s length. Green loggias serve as spaces for seminar participants.
The University of Cologne undertook a comprehensive renovation. They wanted to modernize the WiSo-Gebäude. The goal was to meet current energy efficiency and fire protection standards. The original facade had to be retained due to preservation requirements.
The renovation included installing around 500 horizontally pivoted windows. These windows were developed by an interdisciplinary team. They based their design on a historical model. The new windows improve air circulation. They also reduce heat in the summer.
The architects chose Forster steel profile systems for the window frames. These frames are narrow. They maintain the facade’s appearance. The windows also feature light-deflecting slats from RETROSolar. These slats provide glare protection without darkening the rooms. The slats reflect sunlight outward. This reduces incoming heat. The windows are also sustainable. The profiles are made from 100% recyclable steel.
The renovation ensures the WiSo-Gebäude is ready for hotter summers. The high energy standards of the new windows are key. The University of Cologne is committed to sustainability. They aim to protect the environment for future generations.
The WiSo-Gebäude stands as a blend of historical preservation and modern innovation. Its walls house countless stories of learning and discovery. It will continue shaping minds for years to come.