# Renovated Historical Roofs Neue Direktion Köln in Cologne Features a New Roof on an Old Building By Joey Haar | Published 2017-01-02 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/neue-direktion-kln References: [archdaily](http://www.archdaily.com/802142/neue-direktion-koln-kadawittfeldarchitektur) Neue Direktion Köln was previously a railway office in Cologne, Germany. The rail is still an essential part of German infrastructure, but the railway office has since moved locations, leaving the [historic building](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/provostry) on Cologne's waterfront without a distinct identity. In order to better befit the technology company that now operates in the space, kadawittfeldarchitektur, the German firm behind the Neue Direktion Köln renovation, added a [modern roof to the building](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/museum-for-paper-art), completely changing Cologne's Rhine River skyline in the process. The new roof is constructed of series of [stacked volumes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/schieblocks) that diminish as they rise. The general appearance is reminiscent of Mayan and Incan architecture, with the stacked pyramidal shape that was common among those cultures' temples. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 0.7/10 - Popularity: 10% | Activity: 2% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Architecture](https://www.trendhunter.com/architecture) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Renovated Historical Buildings:** Renovating historical buildings with modern features and designs to give them a new identity and purpose. - **Distinctive Architecture:** Using unique architectural designs, such as stacked volumes, to create striking and memorable structures. - **Revitalizing Urban Landmarks:** Transforming old buildings and landmarks to make them relevant and attractive to new businesses or industries. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Architecture:** Architecture firms can seize the opportunity to blend historical structures with modern design elements. - **Tourism:** The revitalization of historical buildings can attract tourists who are interested in experiencing unique and culturally significant landmarks. - **Real Estate Development:** Developers can acquire historical buildings and transform them into modern spaces, appealing to businesses looking for distinctive and memorable locations. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Vaulted Glass Structure Additions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/domino-sugar-refinery.md) - [Rail Depot Hotels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/noxx-hotel-marburg.md) - [Hybrid London Townhouse Office](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spparc.md) - [Reflective Surface German Apartments](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kier-apartment.md) - [Preserved Townhome Concrete Facades](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rieder.md) - [Colorful Rooftop Unified Buildings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nantou-hybrid-building.md) - [Modernist Reconfigured Belgian Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/beev.md) - [Warm Office Interiors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kinzo-architekten.md) - [Simplistic Timber Warehouses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/halle-s-46.md)