Publishing company building
The design of the Neven DuMont building is the result of numerous creative discussions between builder-owners and the architect - a necessary precondition for a building in which many creative minds "reinvent" their newspapers every day. Their duties are to develop communication, create clarity and contribute to the formation of opinions. And for this, the newspaper company of the M. DuMont Schauberg group of companies is a symbol made of glass and concrete.
A building that sets an example
The building is clear, transparent and inviting. The limited materials used, which are all exposed to daylight, contribute to this: glass, exposed concrete, wood, steel and aluminium. But also the form of the building shows clearly that transparency was of prime importance for builder-owners and architect. Two five-storey wings, each with five ridges face each other; striking point of focus for the eye is the over 40 m high glass tower, which one can see from far. That the people of Cologne quite like this new accentuation of the city silhouette is demonstrated by the affectionate moniker that the tower was soon given: "the Kölsch beer glass".
Embedded in its environment - open for the
environment
Not only a feeling of being connected to the local environment characterizes the building. For the Korean architect Duk-Kyu Ryang from the office Hentrich-Petschnigg & Partner, other aspects also played a great role. He sees the group of companies embedded in a worldwide network. For this reason, he has integrated Asian, European and ancient traditions into his concept. The floor space of the completely glazed external facade measures 27,000 m².
Everything under one roof
It goes without saying that this bold design not only satisfies aesthetic claims, but also the practical work requirements. After over decades certain departments were distributed throughout several buildings in relatively cramped conditions in the inner city, they are now united in one place: From the manuscript to the page ready for printing, everything is developed in one building. The intelligent construction of the opposite ridges reduces the pathways. The specially designed meeting points on the floors invite staff and visitors alike to discuss relevant issues - for despite all modern communication systems, the personal encounter remains the most important form of communication. With its harmonious combination of functionality, aestheticism and environmental friendliness, the Neven DuMont building sets a highly visible example of the company's own identity in the larger than ever and more homogeneous media landscape.
The Neven Du Mont building in Cologne-Niehl - modernisation
on a large scale
Significant for the history of the company was the relocation of the enterprise from various buildings in the inner city to Cologne-Niehl. A modern printing centre and the Neven DuMont building were built, which brings together all employees at one location.
Transparency and openness in all directions - convince yourself. From the leafy inside courtyard you can sea the company restaurant and opposite offices. The glass tower with the logos of EXPRESS, Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger and Kölnischer Rundschau protrudes high into the sky.
Noon in an editorial office. In the modern open plan offices the next edition is already being edited. On the round table in the middle there are several voucher copies of past editions. Here too, the glazed facade offers transparency, much light and a view of the city life in Niehl.
Make up your own mind about a contemporary publishing and media company.