Agglomeration Concept Cologne–Bonn

The Cologne-Bonn metropolitan region (4 million inhabitants) is facing significant growth and structural change. With the Agglomeration Concept 2050, a coherent, strategic vision was sought for a sustainable, climate-friendly, and well-connected region. This ambitious and widely recognized project was developed through a broadly supported process involving four international teams.

Our concept builds on the existing structures and systems. On one hand, it focused on further developing existing qualities such as the diversity of places and neighborhoods, the landscape, the polycentric structure, and the dynamism of the economy. On the other hand, a quantum leap in the transportation system was achieved through a reinterpretation of the existing infrastructure. From the currently overloaded light rail network, two fully functional rail-based public transport systems were established with simple measures, optimally covering both speed and density throughout the region. Central themes included network redundancy, a diverse center structure, and compact urban development along public transport corridors. This was combined with a contour plan for the landscape, ensuring that open spaces do not merely form flexible residual areas but become a structuring element of urban development.