THE MIPIM AWARDS

Every year, internationally outstanding real estate projects are awarded recognition for excellence. Founded in 1990 as the first international real estate event, the “Marché International des Professionnels de l’immobilier (MIPIM)” is the top venue for the worlds of architecture, planning and real estate to present their ideas and projects to a wide audience. MIPIM is one of the largest property trade fairs in the world, with 20,000 participants from 80 countries. This is also where the 5 categories of MIPIM Awards are presented every year. In 2009, “Kranhaus1” – like the Kölncubus a project by Development Partner AG – won the sought after title in the Office Real Estate category. Who will win in 2015?

In mineralogy, a geode is a small cavity in rock lined with crystals or other mineral matter. It forms when stone is heated to around 1,200 °C in a lava flow, encases a gas bubble and then hardens. An architectural geode was formed in Cologne, with an atrium encased in a cube. The outer layer here is also formed after heating to 1,200 °C. However, it was made by STRÖHER using raw clay. For Astoc architect, Peter Brenner, it‘s the closest imitation of nature and exactly what he wanted for the facade: highly refined clinker brick slips, in anthracite hues.

It is the first building on the square – but it won‘t be the last. After demolition of railway facilities and the production buildings of a chemicals factory, a world of possibilities has opened up on Deutzer Feld in the Kalk quarter of Cologne. The Kölncubus is the first step in urban renewal, with 4,400 m² of office and restaurant space. Visible from afar, within easy reach of the cathedral and with a fantastic view. The DGNB has already nominated Kölncubus as a “Green Bulding”. Perhaps that award will be joined by the coveted “MIPIM Award”.