Kö-Bogen II in Düsseldorf, Germany, designed by ingenhoven architects, features Europe’s largest green facade with over 30,000 hornbeam plants. This innovative design enhances the city’s microclimate, reduces urban heat, and fosters biodiversity, exemplifying a shift towards sustainable, people-centric urban planning.
Key Features
- Extensive Greenery: The facade features eight kilometers of hornbeam hedges, comprising over 30,000 plants. This extensive greenery not only enhances the building’s aesthetic appeal but also contributes significantly to the city’s microclimate. ubmdevelopment+7PA | Architecture & Technology+7PA | Architecture & Technology+7Reddit+3PA | Architecture & Technology+3PA | Architecture & Technology+3
- Environmental Benefits: The hornbeam, a native species chosen for its year-round foliage, aids in reducing urban heat, absorbing CO₂, storing moisture, dampening noise, and promoting biodiversity. The ecological benefits of these hedges are comparable to those of approximately 80 fully grown deciduous trees. Share Your Green Design+2PA | Architecture & Technology+2PA | Architecture & Technology+2PA | Architecture & Technology+1PA | Architecture & Technology+1
- Urban Renewal: Kö-Bogen II replaces a former elevated roadway, reconnecting the city center with the adjacent Hofgarten park and fostering a pedestrian-friendly environment. The building’s sloped, green façades draw inspiration from land art, creating a dynamic transition between the urban landscape and natural surroundings. PA | Architecture & Technology+1PA | Architecture & Technology+1
- Sustainable Design: The project aligns with ingenhoven architects’ “supergreen®” philosophy, emphasizing comprehensive sustainability. By integrating extensive greenery into the building’s design, Kö-Bogen II addresses climate change challenges and sets a precedent for future urban developments. Discover Cleantech+2PA | Architecture & Technology+2PA | Architecture & Technology+2
Completed between 2017 and 2020, the complex encompasses 41,370 square meters of commercial space and a 23,000 square meter underground garage. Kö-Bogen II exemplifies how thoughtful design and sustainable practices can converge to create urban spaces that are both functional and environmentally responsible.
For a visual overview of Kö-Bogen II, you can watch the following video:
