In order to create space, especially for living, in compact and growing Düsseldorf, the conversion of existing properties is an important option. Creative projects are can be found all over the city – now and in the future.

Churches are being turned into mosques or vice versa, libraries emerge from palaces - the conversion of buildings has a very long history, in the past it took place in particular when there was a change of power. Today, there are mainly economic, ecological and social reasons for this. Provided that the conversion of existing properties makes sense in terms of building regulations and the building`s existing materials and structure (statics, etc.), it has a number of advantages over new construction. It is generally more environmentally friendly than complete demolition, as construction waste, for example, is difficult to recycle. The conversion is often quicker and cheaper because, for example, there is no need to work on the building shell and existing infrastructure such as supply lines can be used. Another argument that is often used for listed conversion projects is that the cityscape is preserved and culture is perceived as more appreciated when structures remain recognisable. All this becomes particularly attractive when cities subsidise such measures.

Erik Sassenscheidt, Managing Director of the Sassenscheidt Group with its headquarters in Düsseldorf..

A current project on Corneliusstraße in the Friedrichstadt district is intended to show that central, green and at the same time comparatively affordable living is possible in Düsseldorf. As part of "Cornelius City Living", the former headquarters of the Grey advertising agency are being turned into 20 flats and two commercial units. The low-energy building should be ready for occupancy from spring 2026. The former building structure presented the project developers with a major challenge: ‘Because the agency was constantly growing and needed more and more space in the existing building, walls were constantly knocked down and floors extended. This means that sometimes you had to go down a flight of stairs on the same floor and then up another flight of stairs elsewhere to reach a certain part of the building.

What certainly suited a creative workplace was less suitable for our project,’ explains Erik Sassenscheidt, Managing Director of the Sassenscheidt Group, headquartered in Düsseldorf, and acting as the service developer for this location. For this reason, the building was completely gutted by the developer, Living Stones GmbH, leaving only the shell including the roof structure as the basis for the conversion. ‘As the shell remains intact, we can offer the flats at more attractive prices than other new builds in a comparable location,’ explains David Pluhm from Deutsche BauFinanz, who is responsible for sales. Almost half of the 600-square-metre plot will also have a green roof and façade, and a photovoltaic system on the roof will supply electricity for the common areas, for example for the lift and stairwell lighting. Each flat will also have a balcony or terrace. ‘We hope that this conversation project can serve as a model for other city centre projects. Especially in Düsseldorf, where living space is in short supply,’ says Erik Sassenscheidt.

HEADQUARTERS TO BECOME RESIDENTIAL COMPLEX

The former headquarters of the SMS Group (mechanical and plant engineering) on Eduard-Schloemann-Straße in Düsseltal is undergoing a major transformation. According to plans drawn up by architects HPP, 400 barrier-free flats, including publicly subsidised student accommodation, will be built there - some of them in a timber-hybrid design and with green facades. A nursery, retail outlets, co-working offices, event spaces and a bicycle rental service are also planned.

The former Böhler industrial site has become an important commercial, trade fair and event location.

A few kilometres north-west of Corneliusstraße, on the border between Düsseldorf-Heerdt and Meerbusch, there is another example of smart repurposing - but with a completely different focus and scale. Over the last decade, Areal Böhler, once the centre of steel production, has developed into a major commercial, trade fair and event location. Today, renowned trade fairs such as Art Düsseldorf, Polis Convention and Cyclingworld Europe are at the heart of the 230,000 square metres of listed industrial architecture. Surfers and beach volleyball players can let off steam in the "RheinRiff" and even parties organised by promoters such as Kiesgrube take place. Regular events such as the Böhler Christmas market and ManufakTOUR pop-up have also become established. ‘But we have many more plans for the future to turn this place for machines into a place for people,’ says Luca Tito, Team Leader Creative & Marketing at Areal Böhler. One component is to improve the quality of the experience of being at Böhler through new green spaces and better access to the site. ‘On the one hand, we want to unseal areas and create woodland and meadows. On the other hand, we will tear down parts of the wall surrounding the site in order to create more access points,’ he adds. It is also planned to breathe new life into the remaining unused industrial spaces. ‘We want to create a vibrant cultural and innovation space with synergetic effects and potential. For example, for interesting companies and start-ups that promote innovation, for laboratories and research institutes. A food court and a market hall are also conceivable.

Luca Tito, Creative & Marketing Team Leader at Areal Böhler.

There is still plenty of room for improvement,’ says Tito. For companies that can rent customised space, he sees an advantage with regards to the shortage of skilled workers: ‘Who wants to work in a traditional office these days? With us, on the other hand, you get a very special vibe while working: unique architecture, a great restaurant landscape right on the doorstep and a diverse range of workshops.’

These are just two examples of many (see info box) that are being implemented in Düsseldorf – now and in the future. It will be interesting to see what creative approaches will emerge in line with the motto "Turning old into different". •

Words: Tom Corrinth
Pictures: PR, Vision Reality, HPP Architekten GmbH, Andreas Endermann, Arne Piepke, Natasha auf'mKamp