Cologne, one of Germany’s most historically significant cities, has undergone a remarkable transformation from the devastation of war to the present day. Part of the building heritage has been preserved through massive restoration. The rest is forever lost.

Architecture has delved into the architectural traces from the city’s post-war era to rethink the potential of reconstruction. Through analysis of ruins, development of plaster models and a study trip to the historical sites, it was investigated how the city’s layers of past and present can meet in new visions for the future. The goal is to create architectural transformations that highlight the ruins as symbols of hope, dreams and the city’s continued development.