Die Welle, Cologne: Sustainable construction and emission control

Project summary

Since 2015, GeoExperts have played a central role in the “Die Welle” redevelopment in Cologne, Germany. The team oversaw the design and implementation of comprehensive emissions control strategies to meet stringent requirements across multiple construction phases, ensuring seamless coordination with stakeholders such as public authorities, developers and local residents.

The background

“Die Welle” is a major urban redevelopment initiative led by DWK Die Welle Köln Erste GmbH & Co. KG (a joint venture between DIE WOHNKOMPANIE NRW and Bauwens Development) and since 2023, financed by the Empira Group.

The construction project is being delivered by MBN GmbH on the former site of the Deutsche Welle broadcasting towers in Cologne-Marienburg and the new development includes premium residential buildings, social housing, a large childcare facility and extensive bicycle infrastructure. It is built to meet the KfW 40 NH energy-efficiency standard – that the building requires 40% of the energy needed for an equivalent specified building – and was awarded a Deutsche Gesellschaft für Nachhaltiges Bauen (DGNB) Platinum certification.

GeoExperts was involved in the project from the outset and remained engaged through each stage of the development. It coordinated the project’s emissions control scope, working as a neutral technical authority, and liaison among investors, construction firms, authorities and the local community. From predictive modelling to on-site measurements, its interdisciplinary approach enabled the integration of precise technical controls with the demands of sensitive neighbouring operations, particularly those of the adjacent national broadcaster Deutschlandradio.

The challenges

The proximity of the site to Deutschlandradio and the potential for vibration impacts made the project challenging. The site directly borders Deutschlandradio’s studios and concert hall, which remained open during the work, requiring uninterrupted broadcasting and recording throughout the construction period, including live sessions and classical music performances.

Added to this, vibrations from the construction caused structural resonance, which manifested as chirping noises inside the radio building’s recording rooms. This chirping led to disruptive resonances in the recording studios, which had to be mitigated.

The solutions

To meet these challenges, GeoExperts developed adaptive and innovative measures. These included taking trial measurements and coordinating planning so that targeted acoustic measurements could be used to identify critical rooms and enable Deutschlandradio to prepare detailed broadcasting and recording schedules, which were aligned with construction activities.

A regular “jour fixe” format and ongoing site measurements ensured all protective measures remained effective and responsive. Combined with technical interventions, such as re-tensioning and lubricating spring elements, these helped eliminate resonance effects and significantly improved acoustic performance within the adjacent buildings.

From the start of the project, GeoExperts oversaw the dismantling of the vacant high-rise towers of the former Deutsche Welle site. The three towers, reaching heights of up to 140 metres, were among the tallest ever demolished in Europe. Following the completion of the demolition, GeoExperts assumed responsibility for emission control during the construction phases of the new development.

The impact

The Die Welle project demonstrates how advanced emission control can safeguard both community interests and construction progress. Through close collaboration and technical expertise, GeoExperts helped reconcile the complex demands of modern urban development with those of highly sensitive neighbours. The result is a benchmark project for technical excellence and stakeholder engagement in the field of sustainable construction.