A new campus for a rich tradition
In the heart of Cologne, in the Kunibertsviertel district, work is underway on a future-proof campus for the Cologne University of Music and Dance. This leading institution, founded in 1845 and having grown into one of Europe’s largest universities of music and dance, will, with the new building, gain a contemporary environment befitting its international ambitions.
The project encompasses both the renovation of existing buildings and the construction of a new structure featuring, among other things, study spaces, a multifunctional concert and dance hall, and a publicly accessible green inner courtyard. This will create a compact, vibrant campus where education, culture and the city converge.
A powerful architectural statement
The new building blends carefully into the existing urban context, whilst at the same time adopting a distinct identity of its own. Large glass sections open the building up to the city and make the interior visible to passers-by. At the same time, the façade ensures a clear, recognisable appearance.
The design focuses on transparency and connection, with a central role for the multifunctional hall that accommodates concerts and dance performances. This function is also made visible from the outside, giving the building an inviting character.
From development to installation
For this project, Sorba is responsible for the entire façade installation. From engineering and development to assembly and installation: Sorba handles the entire cassette façade.
The façade consists of powder-coated aluminium cassettes in the colour Gold Metallic RAL 1036, a choice that gives the building a warm, high-quality appearance. The panels are finished with a Duraflon coating, making them highly resistant to weathering and ensuring they retain their colour and quality over the long term.
What makes this project special is that Sorba is responsible for the entire façade. The cassette cladding is installed including insulation and the substructure, resulting in an efficient and well-coordinated façade construction. This not only contributes to the building’s appearance but also to its thermal performance and sustainability.
Production and assembly take place under controlled conditions, after which the elements are installed on site. This method ensures high dimensional accuracy and smooth execution on the construction site.
Sustainability and future-proofing
The new building has been designed with sustainability in mind. A photovoltaic system will be installed on the roof, generating a significant proportion of the building’s energy requirements. In addition, a green roof provides water retention and promotes biodiversity, whilst contributing to a better urban climate.
The outdoor space also plays an important role. The green campus, with newly planted trees and a character that is open to the public, provides a pleasant place to spend time for students, staff and city residents.
The perfect finish
With this new building, the Cologne University of Music and Dance is taking an important step towards the future. Bringing all functions together on a single campus strengthens collaboration between disciplines and creates an inspiring learning environment.
Sorba’s contribution highlights how technology and aesthetics can go hand in hand. The golden cassette façade gives the building its own distinctive character and makes it a recognisable feature of Cologne’s cityscape.
