The new Innovation and Start-up Centre IGZ is being developed on the university grounds at Weyertal in Cologne by the end of 2022. Designed as a five storey solitaire, the building responds to the heterogeneous urban fabric of the built environment. The angular volume adopts the heights of the surrounding structures and reacts to the neighbouring buildings with large window openings, entrances, recessed and projecting elements.
The concept of the work space in the interior was developed in workshops together with student founders involved in start-ups and the main user Gateway.
Alongside the main entrance area with the reception, the ground floor accommodates a cafeteria and two different sized meeting rooms, which can be connected to form a single large auditorium or exhibition area. The open-plan work landscape and private offices on the upper levels create a flexible environment for the development and realisation of innovative ideas. Roof terraces and exterior space offer opportunities to communicate and work outdoors. The varied space is complemented by two double-level lounge areas – the so-called LIKE Its*. They provide a pleasant atmosphere to not only relax with coffee and snacks but also to work, meet and present ideas in a more informal setting.
These open spaces at ground floor level and above the main entrance appear like large display windows in the facade with its vertical aluminium strip cladding.
*The expression LIKE IT is an acronym made up of the German words:
L ümmeln (linger)
I nspirieren (inspire)
K ommunizieren (communicate)
E rleben (experience)
I nformieren (inform)
T reffen (meet)