For over two decades, the Merkur Spiel-Arena has delivered everything a modern stadium should offer—a capacity of 66,500, a retractable roof, and state-of-the-art climate control. To give accredited sports journalists the working conditions they deserve ahead of UEFA Euro 2024, the stadium needed a dedicated press and media centre. Rather than build something new from scratch, Lindner Architekten from Düsseldorf saw an opportunity: they transformed an underutilized basement car park into three flexible, multifunctional event spaces. Working on behalf of municipal event company D.Live, the architects reimagined the garage areas flanking the central players' tunnel into a 1,400 m² hub for conferences and events. The result—with its adaptable layout and distinctive design language—earned the German Design Award 2025.

Before the interior design could come to life, significant structural work was necessary. Huhn Architekten from Neuss first prepared the existing garage spaces on either side of the players' tunnel according to strict UEFA requirements. To achieve proper ceiling height and adequate ventilation, they lowered the raw floor by roughly 1.5 metres—a move that posed structural challenges but allowed all building systems to be efficiently concealed within a sophisticated cavity floor. The result: a seamless integration of MEP infrastructure. The interior design strategy prioritized space efficiency and flexibility, anticipating both the immediate media centre needs and future use as an exclusive conference and events destination. The two main areas—Cave 01 and Cave 02—flank the players' tunnel and employ a "room-within-room" concept, subdividing each into flexible conference zones, catering areas, and intimate retreat spaces. This approach delivers both an exceptional experience and remarkable functional versatility. Mobile, modular furnishings—movable bars, multifunctional projection walls—allow the spaces to adapt instantly to different uses: conferences, lectures, product launches. Integrated technical systems throughout the walls and ceilings give equal control over lighting and acoustics. The two main spaces connect through a third element: the players' tunnel itself. Serving as both a central circulation hub and standalone event venue, it's transformed by dichroic glass films that cast colourful atmospheric views, dark sparkling epoxy flooring, expanded metal cladding, and neon signage. It's a passageway that doubles as a fashion runway or the perfect backdrop for an after-work celebration. "The project's defining feature is its material language—one built on deliberate contrasts," notes Daniel Schwecke, managing director of Lindner Architekten. One layer honours the raw, industrial character of the original structure through exposed concrete, metal, and glass. Another introduces refined elegance via premium materials like oak wood and polished finishes. Together, they create a dynamic atmosphere that honours the venue's authentic character while delivering warmth and invitation.

www.lindner-architekten.de

Photos:
Chris Rausch
www.chrisrausch.de

(Published in CUBE Düsseldorf 01|25)