Nothing but world-class

The Architecture

In October 2008, world-renowned architects were invited to submit their ideas and designs for a new concerthall in Bonn. The requirements were to create a concerthall which delivers both, world-class architecture and first-class acoustics. Ten very different, but all outstanding design proposals were submitted at the end of 2008 and have been evaluated.

Four of the ten world-renowned architects invited to participate were selected for the project's second round. Zaha Hadid, François Valentiny, Arata Isozaki and Richard Meier have since reworked their programs for the Beethoven Festspielhaus. The four proposed designs for Bonn's new cultural highlight all have one thing in common - they all feature exceptionally unique structures delivering both world-class architecture and first-class acoustics. Zaha Hadid and Hermann & Valentiny are now the two finalists in the architect selection process.

The area along the banks of the Rhine and the large open area on the city-side of the hall, currently used for parking, have also been integrated into the designs. All four architects open up their buildings to both, the park and the riverside and create a connection from the inside to the outside and ice versa. Sweeping staircases connect the Rhine promenade with the Festspielhaus and provide ample space for outdoor concerts and open-air events.

The selection process, organized under private law and participatory in nature, is indeed unique, but it has paid off. Thanks to the ongoing dialogue with the architects throughout all planning phases and the detailed list of requirements issued to the four finalists at the end of phase one, the sponsors and the consulting experts are already at the point of being able to guarantee world-class, feasible designs, propelling the process forward. A two-fold approach has been taken to ensure cost containment as the project advances: For one, architects have been required to submit highly extensive and detailed plans, and secondly the risk assessment process is constantly being refined and elaborated.

We will introduce you to all ten designs on this website, the four further developed designs of Phase II and all designs of Phase I.