Bonn celebrates art: insights into the finalist exhibition on September 10th!

Bonn celebrates art: insights into the finalist exhibition on September 10th!

The finalist exhibition of the international competition “Art in Architecture” opens on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at 11 a.m. in the Federal Office for Building and Regional Planning in Bonn. This competition, announced by Federal Office for Building and Regional Planning (BBR), aims to create works of art associated with the “European Center for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts” (ECMWF) in Bonn and is being realized with a budget of around half a million euros each. A total of 13 finalists, including the team led by Professor Alexandra Kürtz from the University of Paderborn, against each other.

Particularly noteworthy are the first places awarded to Julian Charrière from Berlin and Thomas Stricker from Düsseldorf. The Paderborn team presents its work entitled “Atmospheres of Science”. Their concept aims to make the invisible dynamics of the atmosphere visible through weather balloon-like objects that change their colors using real-time weather data. Innovative materials such as Cordura and Kevlar as well as energy-efficient LED technology are also used. Complementary, organically shaped seating objects invite visitors to interact and reflect.

Exhibition and vernissage

The exhibition, which shows 1:50 scale models and accompanying poster designs, will be on site until September 19th and is already available online on the BBR website until September 25th. The vernissage and matinee will take place on the opening day, September 10th, in the large meeting room of the Federal Office for Building and Regional Planning in Bonn.

The organizer of the competition Federal Agency for Real Estate Tasks (BImA), manages the implementation and coordination of the project. The new location of the ECMWF in Bonn has become necessary as the center was originally headquartered in Reading, UK, but was relocated to Germany due to the UK's withdrawal from the EU. Completion of the new campus is planned for 2027 and is intended to make a significant contribution to the appreciation of employees and their scientific work.

Work of art in construction

The planned work of art, which is located in front of the terrace of the Copernicus Room, is not only seen as an expression of this appreciation, but is also intended to promote exchange and communication among employees. A work of art is planned in the form of a sculpture, sculpture or installation that is directly related to the new building and the open space design. The aim is to ensure visibility of the pedestrian and cycle path between the property and the motorway.

A gross budget of 400,000 euros is available for the realization of this ambitious art project. The competition is based on the guidelines of RBBau and RPW 2013 and was judged by an expert jury, including Dr. Julia Wallner and Dr. Martin Seidel, rated.

In summary, the “Art in Architecture” competition not only shows an innovative approach to public space, but also how art projects can be organized in conjunction with functional building projects in order to pursue both aesthetic and communicative goals. Initiatives like this, which promote dialogue between art and science, can serve as a model for future projects. This also includes funding from ministries and municipal institutions, as is offered in various competitions nationwide, for example State of Berlin.