The Academy of Media Arts has been located in Cologne's southern city center since 1990. Initially housed rather provisionally in just six small buildings near the Trinitatis church, the young university was given an additional new building in 2005 consisting of three structures sensitively coordinated with the surroundings. One of these is a pavilion with a cafeteria, which had begun to show the ravages of time. The Düsseldorf-based office marco glashagen innenarchitektur, which was commissioned with the renovation and conversion, developed a new holistic spatial concept for the dining area operated by the university and the kitchen and bar area maintained by the Cologne Student Union: the approximately 70 m² space was transformed into a modern cafeteria with a high quality of stay. A precise design language combined with high-quality, sustainable materials creates a harmonious, refined atmosphere.

As before, the guest room opens up to the inner courtyard via large glass surfaces. As soon as you enter, however, the influence of the artistic surroundings on the design becomes apparent. The new bar front is located along the entire length of the room: the shape, proportions and deep black - also the university's corporate identity color - make the area appear like a long stage. The side walls framing the dining area at the same horizon height act as room dividers and are made of acoustically effective wooden slats. Their angular arrangement creates two niche-like retreats where people can eat and talk together in peace. Two opposing transverse benches with high backrests mark the corners. Further seats are located in the middle of the room. They are staggered and can be freely combined at any time for parties and special events thanks to a modular concept. The minimalist material and colour concept is based on simple materials and surfaces that are deliberately intended to provide a counterpoint to the highly specialized digital world. In the dining area, an elegant, light grey cement floor creates a spacious and urban feel, which contrasts with the food counter in black through-dyed MDF panels. The tables are made of walnut wood with a gray linoleum surface. The solid wood chairs in a muted shade of green provide colorful accents. Spot pendant lights on articulated rods accentuate the guest room and create an atmospheric look.

www.marcoglashagen.de

Photos:

Ivo Faber
www.ivo-faber.com

(Published in CUBE Cologne Bonn 02|21)