For decades, the New Fashion Plaza on Karl-Arnold-Platz was synonymous with the fashion industry. The former fashion order center has now undergone a striking transformation, entering the modern office world: RKW Architektur + has meticulously restored the eight-story structure from the 1970s and reimagined it as LevelZ—an office destination defined by integrated green spaces and contemporary design.

Built in 1974, the building showed unmistakable signs of its age: beyond its austere, mirrored façade, it had become technically and energetically obsolete. Rather than demolish, the architects preserved the load-bearing concrete structure, significantly reducing embodied carbon. This strategic choice—retaining the existing framework rather than pursuing complete reconstruction—kept CO₂ emissions substantially lower than a comparable new building would generate. The building has earned LEED Gold certification for its sustainability efforts. The original hermetic mirror glass has been replaced with an elegant, energy-optimized glass façade featuring external shading systems. Crisp white floor bands and sculptural cantilevered terraces create a sense of lightness and transparency, while recessed terraces on the second, fifth, and seventh floors provide tenants with verdant outdoor retreats and views. The reimagined entrance welcomes visitors with living green walls and a soaring double-height atrium.
Premium tile flooring reinforces the entrance's refined character. While the ground floor continues to house showrooms, the upper levels are dedicated to office space. These offices meet today's exacting standards for ergonomics, natural light, and acoustic performance. At three meters tall, the ceilings accommodate flexible, collaborative work environments across diverse spatial configurations. Sustainable mobility was equally prioritized: the two-level basement parking garage provides 54 car spaces alongside over 30 bicycle parking spots.

www.rkw.plus

Photography Credits:

Christophe-François Nilles
www.christophe-francois.de

(Published in CUBE Düsseldorf 03|25)