Archetech Issue 77 2025 | Page 73

ARCHITECTURAL FOCUS
Confex has a highly functional interior , thus allowing for a wide range of formats for trade fairs , congresses , exhibitions , and events .
This is supported by the main hall , which can be divided into smaller spaces , 22 conference rooms of various sizes , and a flexible connection to other exhibition halls . The floor-to-ceiling windows on the southern facade offer fascinating views of Cologne Cathedral and the Rhine .
From the light-filled foyer , the conference rooms on both upper floors can be reached by a freestanding escalator , as well as via several elevators . Confex can also be accessed from what is referred to as the “ Westkopf ”, enabling multiple independent events to be held simultaneously . Thanks to mobile partition walls , the central hall can be divided into two or three separate event areas .
An application for Platinum certification of the project by the German Sustainable Building Council ( DGNB ) has already been submitted . Environmental measures include 500 solar panels installed on the roof that generate energy for the sustainable operation of the building .
Confex opened to the public just in time for Koelnmesse ’ s 100th anniversary . All that remains now is the final component of the master plan , which is the construction of the new East-West terminal as a central axis to connect the buildings .
Technical sheet
Project name : Confex , Koelnmesse 3.0 , Conference and Exhibition Hall , Cologne Trade Fair Location : Koelnmesse , 50679 Cologne , Germany Client : Koelnmesse AG Architecture + General Planning : JSWD 1st prize competition 2016 Event location with up to 6,000 participants , Conference , Exhibition , Trade fair , Divisible Confex Hall ( 670 sqm ) with a total capacity of 4,300 people , Foyer ( 1,370 sqm ), Confex Plaza ( Area 5,600 sqm ) GFA : 31,300 sqm Certification in progress : DGNB platin
Photo credits : HG Esch , JSWD jswd . de
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