The Gerling Insurance Group gave up its former headquarters in the middle of Cologne five years ago. The complex will now be converted for residential use according to plans by the architects kister scheithauer gross. A point of special interest is the energy renovation concept devised for the partly listed buildings.

When it comes to green building and sustainability, revitalisation of real estate or concepts for 21st century offices and workplaces, there is an equal need for architects and interior designers alike. These trend themes will also be in the spotlight at ORGATEC, the leading international trade fair for offices and facilities, which will take place from 26th to 30th October in Cologne.

The architectural contribution at this year’s furniture fair IMM Cologne was delivered by UNStudio architect Ben van Berkel, who generated an urban masterplan for all three storeys of hall 11, as well as „The World’s Longest Table for all Cultures“ in the Art of Kitchen section of the fair.

This week, from 14th to 20th January 2008, Cologne becomes the European centre of interior design and decoration at the annual international furnishing show imm cologne 2008. Approximately 1,300 exhibitors will present their products and concepts at the Cologne Trade Fair and at numerous showrooms in the city.

A site steeped in history, it bears witness to 2000 years of architectural history, from the Roman era to post-war modernism. The parish church St. Kolumba was reduced to ruins in 1945.