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 into its surroundings, yet has a distinct character of its own. Large windows create a sense of openness and allow the interior and the students to be seen from the street. This fosters greater interaction between the interior and the city.
Interaction is central to HPP Architects’ design. The multi-purpose hall, which is used for concerts and dance performances, forms the heart of the building.
From development to installation
Sorba is responsible for the entire façade installation for this project. From engineering and development to assembly and installation: Sorba is handling 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 weather conditions and ensuring they retain their colour and quality over the long term. The cassette cladding is installed including insulation and the substructure.
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. Solar panels will be installed on the roof to generate a significant proportion of the building’s energy requirements. A green roof will also provide water retention and promote biodiversity, whilst helping to improve the urban climate.
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.
