“Stadtbaustelle” wins prestigious BDA Masters Award

Alanus students honored by the Association of German Architects (BDA).

Great joy at Alanus University of Arts and Social Sciences: architecture students Julian Krüger and Lorenz Rhiner were honored at this year’s BDA Masters Award presented by the Association of German Architects (BDA), North Rhine-Westphalia regional chapter. Their participatory bachelor’s project “Stadtbaustelle” at Chlodwigplatz in Bonn impressed the jury with its visionary urban engagement, experimental building, and social relevance.

From transit space to vibrant meeting place – the idea behind “Stadtbaustelle”

In their award-winning project, Krüger and Rhiner transformed Chlodwigplatz in Bonn into an open “real-world laboratory”: with seating around the fountain, a table tennis table in the shade of the trees, raised beds, and a chess table. What makes it special: the design was developed together with local residents from start to finish. In doing so, the two students show that a city is shaped by its users and that public space is never complete, but always in the making. “We did not want a finished design, but rather to create a space for dialogue, a place that continues to evolve through the process and is co-created by the people,” says Julian Krüger. His fellow project member Lorenz Rhiner adds: “Our goal was to use temporary building as a tool for urban development, not as a stopgap solution, but as a method.” The project was supervised by Junior Professor Miriam Hamel and Professor Ragnhild Klussmann.

Award for forward-thinking young architects

The BDA Masters is an academic award presented every year by BDA NRW. The 14 schools of architecture in North Rhine-Westphalia may nominate up to 3 bachelor’s theses, from which a jury selects up to five prizewinners. Each receives prize money of 2,000 euros intended to support a master’s degree in architecture. This funding is not only financial assistance, but also a strong signal: the BDA is investing in young talents who provide impulses that are relevant in design, ecology, and society. This year, 30 final projects from a total of 13 universities in North Rhine-Westphalia were nominated, including 3 projects from Alanus University.

Response from Alanus University

Professor Willem-Jan Beeren, Dean of the Department of Architecture at Alanus University, is particularly proud: “With their project, Julian and Lorenz have created a vibrant, inclusive place, not in the quiet of a study, but in the middle of the city and together with the people. These are exactly the kinds of approaches we need to shape our cities in participatory ways and make them fit for the future.” Beeren also emphasizes that Alanus University deliberately aligns its architecture programs with social innovation and urban engagement: “This award is not only a personal success, but also proof that our educational approach is effective and that our students make real change possible.”

Continuing to build at Chlodwigplatz – the project remains active

“Stadtbaustelle” is not a short-term academic project, but will remain active on a long-term basis. Every Monday from 17:00 to 20:00, building and discussion continue on site. All citizens are warmly invited to take part. Under the direction of the Mackeviertel neighborhood office, the square is thus given a long-term perspective as a vibrant meeting place in the district.

Further information and images on “Stadtbaustelle” can be found in the online magazine of the Department of Architecture.

Contact for press inquiries:
+49 (0)2222 9321-1944
presse@alanus.edu

Subscribe to our newsletter!
Receive selected events and news from Alanus University directly in your inbox every month.
→ sign up now