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PROJECTS / OPERA OF THE FUTURE

Opera for Everyone

The design for the future opera house represents a transformative step towards a more inclusive and accessible cultural venue. For Düsseldorf, it signifies not only an enhanced experience of the Hofgarten in the south, with improved pathways, but also serves as a dignified terminus for the pivotal city axis of Königsallee.

The architectural concept, characterized by a graceful circular arc, establishes a seamless connection between Königsallee and Grabbeplatz, serving as the gateway to the old town in a natural and unobtrusive manner. The southern edges of the city block are preserved, resulting in a minimal eastward extension into the Hofgarten compared to the current opera house.

Central to the design approach is the utmost respect for the cultural heritage of the Hofgarten. Pathways have been subtly adjusted during the planning process, extending from Corneliusplatz and curving towards Grabbeplatz. Secondary paths with water-bound surfaces connect significant landmarks such as the Golden Bridge and the bridge to Kö-Bogen. The arc gently extends beyond the northern boundary of the Hofgarten, harmonizing with its surroundings.

Christoph Ingenhovens sketch illustrates the central design idea: As an extension of the existing city gridlines, the new opera building creates an iconic ending to the city block.

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The design's strength lies in its seamless integration with the outdoor space, greatly enhanced by the use of ramps. The park provides ideal microclimatic conditions for the building and its surroundings, with balcony areas and ramps serving as transitional spaces. The design leverages the courtyard garden's favorable climate, creating functional and visually transparent connections that integrate public spaces into the urban environment.

This future opera house design offers Düsseldorf the chance to extend urban space along one of its most significant city axes, creating a publicly accessible landmark.

The design extends Grabbeplatz thematically to the water's edge of the Hofgarten. A new pedestrian crossing south of the existing one aligns with the square's edges, enhancing connectivity across Heinrich-Heine-Allee. Historically, a visual axis extended from the corner opposite Grabbeplatz over the Golden Bridge to Schloss Jägerhof, but this view is currently obstructed by bushes and greenery. The design aims to clear this greenery by extending Grabbeplatz, restoring the historical sightlines. The opera house, with its curved facade facing the Hofgarten, becomes the new visible endpoint of this axis, linking Grabbeplatz to the old town.