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Cologne celebrates seven architecture awards: showcase projects honored!
On February 9, 2026, seven Cologne buildings will be honored for the NRW Architecture Prize, including the Historical Archive.
Cologne celebrates seven architecture awards: showcase projects honored!
Great news from Cologne: This year, the NRW Ministry for Homeland, Municipal Affairs, Construction and Digitalization honored seven buildings from the cathedral city with the “Award for exemplary buildings in North Rhine-Westphalia”. This award is presented every five years in collaboration with the North Rhine-Westphalia Chamber of Architects and is celebrating its tenth anniversary this year. A total of 159 projects from across the state were submitted, but only the best 25 received the coveted award. What is particularly pleasing is that some of the award winners not only shine through their innovative architecture, but also impress with their social added value.
An outstanding example is the new building of the Historical Archives and the Rhenish Image Archives in Cologne. The jury highlighted not only the “precise elaboration of the architectural concept,” but also the important role this building plays in the healing of an injured urban society, especially in the context of the tragic collapse of the archive in 2009. This award sets an example: the building that once became a symbol of the city’s wounds is now celebrated as a place of memory and knowledge.
Prize winner from Cologne
In addition to the historical archive, the following projects from Cologne are among the award winners:
- InnoDom Cologne: Ein Start-up-Zentrum mit Architektur von Kada Wittfeld und Landschaftsarchitektur von Studio Grüngrau. Bauherr ist die Kölner Universitätsstiftung.
- Vorgebirgsgärten: Geplant von Lorber Paul Architekten, diese Bauweise bietet ein gelungenes Beispiel für moderne Wohnraumgestaltung und wurde in Zusammenarbeit mit der Wohnungsgenossenschaft Köln-Sülz realisiert.
- Wohnen F // 9: Ein privates Bauvorhaben, das von Aretz Dürr Architektur entworfen wurde.
- Wohnquartier Herler Straße: Dieses Projekt, realisiert von 3pass Kusch Mayerle und der WvM Immobilien- und Projektentwicklung, hat ebenfalls die Jury überzeugt.
- Mittendrin in Alt-Sülz: Architekten von Duplex Architekten und RMP Stephan Lenzen haben hier eine ansprechende Wohnanlage geschaffen.
- Ossendorfer Gartenhöfe: Molestina Architekten haben diese Anlage entworfen, die nun ebenfalls zu den Vorbildern in der Kölner Architektur zählt.
A look at the competitive landscape
The award is more than just an honor; it also shows the challenges facing architecture. The jury of ARCHITECTURE PRIZE NRW 2024 discussed the discrepancy between sustainable goals and practice in the construction industry, a topic that is becoming increasingly important. The award winners also include important projects from other cities, such as the expansion of the Josef Albers Museum in Bottrop or the renovations in Duisburg.
The award ceremony will take place on February 9, 2026 at the K21 art museum in Düsseldorf, where Minister Ina Scharrenbach will honor the award as patron. Cologne architects and building owners can look forward to the deserved recognition of their innovative ideas and social commitment in architecture.
One thing is certain for all Cologne residents: the city is not only becoming more beautiful, but also more lively and responsible, and this is not least due to the committed architects and their visionary building projects.