Cologne –
“We are very happy that things are finally going up on what is probably Germany’s most exciting construction site,” said Cologne’s building department head Markus Greitemann at the “small topping-out ceremony” on Rathausplatz. So this is more than a symbolic act.
On Monday morning, the first roof pyramid was placed on the steel structure of the first construction phase, the first of five roof pyramids, the construction of which looks on the construction plan as if an architect with 1000 tons of steel structure had played Mikado. For the first time, the cubature and height of the new “Museum im Quartier” (Miqua) can now be read on site.
Probably Germany’s most exciting construction site
It is Germany’s “probably most exciting construction site”, explained Greitemann, because this historic place brings together exciting archeology and exciting architecture. One would like to add: Exciting, too, because construction time and costs still involve risks. Ultimately, the pace of completion was decided by archeology and the steel construction company. According to the original planning, the steel structure should be ready in April. “It is difficult to foresee and calculate which risks are actually present, with what probability they will occur and with what cost effect,” explained Stephanie Brans, project manager for the municipal building management.
A new list of the construction costs, which are likely to be more than 100 million euros, will be presented to the city council in May. Construction manager Matthias Zoppel and construction department head Markus Greitemann expect an opening date in 2025.
Assembly even at night
The construction site is currently being approached around the clock. The assembly at nighttime doesn’t exactly add to the amusement of the neighborhood. “We would like to apologize for this and ask for the understanding and forbearance of the residents.” Meanwhile, underground sand is being vacuumed, wall openings are being sawed, ceilings are being poured, historical masonry is underpinning with concrete foundations. The foundations must be laid to a depth of six and a half meters.
This remains exciting for the archaeologists too, because they have only penetrated to a depth of three and a half meters so far. At Germany’s most exciting construction site, nobody can predict what can still be expected down there.
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