THE COMPETITION
With the NEW HEART on the block project, the developers are working with the state capital of Düsseldorf to develop an identity-defining high-rise ensemble in a central location on Kennedydamm. The new neighborhood center is intended to form the “heart of Derendorf and Golzheim” as an “urban hub” with supraregional appeal. In addition to high-quality office space, residential offerings and a variety of uses are also to be created, sensibly connecting the neighborhood, the public, and mobility. The basis for this is Düsseldorf's high-rise framework plan, which defines the area as a potential location for new high points.
The competition was announced as a closed implementation competition with two phases in accordance with the “Guidelines for Planning Competitions 2013” (RPW 2013) § 3 (1), (3), (4), and (5), with the first phase being conducted anonymously and the second phase in a cooperative procedure.
THE PROCESS IS AS FOLLOWS:
December 2–23, 2022: Start of the competition with initial public participation
December 16, 2022: Distribution of documents for phase 1
January 19, 2023: Jury colloquium and participant colloquium for phase 1
February 24, 2023: Submission of designs for phase 1
March 29, 2023: Jury meeting for phase 1. Four designs are selected for further development
April 17, 2023: Distribution of documents for phase 2
May 11, 2023: Participant colloquium for phase 2 with interim presentations
July 7, 2023: Submission of designs for phase 2
August 29, 2023: Public participation for phase 2
August 30, 2023: Jury meeting for the second phase. All four designs from the second phase received awards, with the design by UNStudio Amsterdam unanimously receiving first prize and being recommended for commissioning. Three other designs (HPP Architekten, Hadi Teherani Architects, ingenhoven associates) each received second prize
September 8–10, 2023: Public exhibition of the competition results
February 13–March 14, 2024: Early public participation
February 29, 2024: Public event with project presentation and discussion with interested citizens
THE WINNER
The jury particularly praised the winning design: it impresses with its three polygonal structures, which create both urban order and identity. The two towers appear slender and elegant from all sides, creating striking landmarks and, despite their independence, blending sensitively into the heterogeneous surroundings. The third building, the pavilion, strengthens the ensemble by offering useful amenities for the neighborhood and a well-proportioned connection to the district sports facility.
The office tower offers high usability and good marketability thanks to its flexible floor plans, while the polygonal shape of the towers provides a unique view from every floor. The jury also sees potential for attractive apartments in the residential floor plans. It is also praised for the fact that the buildings have no rear sides, thus contributing to the openness of the neighborhood.
Overall, the design is highlighted as an outstanding competition entry. A neighborhood with structural strength, flexibility, and a coherent overall concept that meets the requirements for a new urban landmark in Düsseldorf.