University of Bonn Main Building – Restructuring and Core Refurbishment, Bonn
The design is guided by the principle of preserving the historic identity of the University of Bonn’s main building while carefully advancing it through precise contemporary interventions. The existing structure is understood as a resilient framework whose spatial clarity and architectural dignity are strengthened rather than overformed.
The Arcaded Courtyard remains the organisational heart of the building. A newly defined main entrance leads into an expanded foyer that serves as orientation space, meeting point, and representative address. The inserted open staircase connects ground and first floor as a spatial event, establishing a strong new interior centre.
The Aula on the first floor remains the identity-forming core of the building and is complemented by a new lecture hall at the rear. Together they create a cohesive ensemble for teaching, events, and academic exchange — a new “central heart” and “third place” within the university, as recognised by the jury
251127_BUH_Preisgerichtsprotoko…
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Four additional staircases clarify circulation and improve accessibility and fire safety. The approach to heritage is defined by “preservation through development”: historic fabric is retained and carefully restored, while new elements are clearly legible as contemporary layers
250911_Erläuterungsbericht
.
The jury described the proposal as a “coherent and convincing response” to the complex task
251127_BUH_Preisgerichtsprotoko…
, highlighting the respectful treatment of the listed structure and the high spatial quality of the new foyer and staircase.
The Arcaded Courtyard remains the organisational heart of the building. A newly defined main entrance leads into an expanded foyer that serves as orientation space, meeting point, and representative address. The inserted open staircase connects ground and first floor as a spatial event, establishing a strong new interior centre.
The Aula on the first floor remains the identity-forming core of the building and is complemented by a new lecture hall at the rear. Together they create a cohesive ensemble for teaching, events, and academic exchange — a new “central heart” and “third place” within the university, as recognised by the jury
251127_BUH_Preisgerichtsprotoko…
.
Four additional staircases clarify circulation and improve accessibility and fire safety. The approach to heritage is defined by “preservation through development”: historic fabric is retained and carefully restored, while new elements are clearly legible as contemporary layers
250911_Erläuterungsbericht
.
The jury described the proposal as a “coherent and convincing response” to the complex task
251127_BUH_Preisgerichtsprotoko…
, highlighting the respectful treatment of the listed structure and the high spatial quality of the new foyer and staircase.
1st Prize – Realisation Competition