CIC - Coppenrath Innovation Centre

The revitalisation of the former roundhouse marks the beginning of a major urban development on a 22-hectare brownfield site. The central, cathedral-like building houses the 2-storey Innovatorium for events with 400 people. In the adjacent halls, 2-storey wooden room modules have been freely arranged in the higher part of each hall, thus retaining its hall-like character as a continuous space. All room modules are designed as elemented solid wood constructions. The German Research Centre for AI has been a driving force from the outset. It was followed by start-ups and a university as users.

The urban planning goal was to awaken the former roundhouse from its slumber, as a prelude to the revitalisation of the inner-city brownfield site and the revival of the industrial landmark. The course of the River Hase was reintegrated into the urban quarter. The former freight yard site had been lying fallow for a very long time. Ownership was unclear between the city and a private investor, resulting in mutual obstruction, mainly due to the site's isolated location. It was only the involvement of the non-profit Coppenrath Foundation that broke the deadlock. This Foundation then developed the project together with the city as a minority shareholder and revitalised the roundhouse. Furthermore, the preservation of the historic building fabric, which had undergone many changes over time, posed considerable challenges for the planning. The aim was to create a highly sustainable building with the ambition of preserving it for at least another 100 years. thanks to a special energy concept.

The Coppenrath Innovation Centre impresses with its well-proportioned and functional interplay between building envelope, interior and open spaces. Enclosed office modules (wood) and multifunctional zones are deliberately placed in front of the existing concrete structure. This mix of historical elements and forward-looking design, combined with sculptural architecture and sustainable materials, makes the project a flagship. The strong connection to the outdoor space, integrating the river Hase and offering areas for social exchange and relaxation, enhances the quality of stay. Preserving the existing structure and using renewable materials for modular interiors reduce grey energy. Technical infrastructure and cooling needs are minimised through architectural integration. The combination of design and heat pump system turns the CIC into an ecological model of resource efficiency.