A building steeped in history – and facing new challenges
Since the University was founded in 1818, the palace has shaped the city and the University's identity. At the same time, the building complex no longer meets the requirements of a modern university building. It is in need of renovation and must be completely vacated for the upcoming work. The competition therefore had a clear guiding question: How can modern working and learning environments be created without losing the historic character of the building? In addition to functional restructuring, the concepts should also take energy-efficient and sustainable construction into account from the outset. The jury awarded a first prize, a third prize, and three honorable mentions.
First prize: Knerer und Lang Architekten (Munich)
According to the jury, the winning design focuses on preserving the auditorium on the first floor as a central space and functionally supplements it with a large lecture hall connected at the rear. The arcaded courtyard — the existing heart of the palace — functions in the design as a central “distribution point,” but also as a “third place” for exchange and events beyond the lecture halls. Ramps in the arcades serve to level the ground and lead to a newly developed foyer, which provides an appropriate entrance with a representative open staircase in the line of sight of the University entrance. Café and bistro areas are also located on the ground floor. According to the jury, these could help to integrate the ensemble more closely into the urban fabric. Particularly noteworthy is the location of the Schlosscafé in the former Blue Grotto (passageway between the arcade courtyard and Schlosskirchenplatz), which gives the place a new appeal and quality of stay.
3rd prize and honorable mentions: Focus on the arcade courtyard and new center
3rd prize: Staab Architekten (Berlin): Among other things, Staab proposes a light canopy over the Arkadenhof – as an “airy” yet covered entrance. In addition, the design aims to repurpose the western area of the foyer and atrium on the ground floor as a festive centerpiece, thereby creating new spaces for communication.
The following designs received honorable mentions:
- asp Architekten (Stuttgart)
- &MICA (Berlin) with Henchion Reuter Architekten (Berlin)
- h4a Gessert Randecker Architekten (Stuttgart)
The competition was conducted as a single-stage, closed implementation competition followed by a negotiation procedure. The prize money was: 1st place €220,000, 3rd place €101,000, recognition €45,000. The jury met on November 24 and 25, 2025, at the University of Bonn. The jury was made up of high-ranking representatives of the State, the Federal City of Bonn, and the University of Bonn (including the Rector and the Provost).
Further information is available at Bau- und Liegenschaftsbetrieb NRW (in German).
