Confex by JSWD: Cologne’s Hybrid Trade Fair Hub

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Cologne’s skyline has long been defined by its cathedral spires and the Rhine’s shimmering curves. Now, a new landmark joins the mix: Confex, a conference and exhibition hall designed by architecture firm JSWD. Part of Koelnmesse’s ambitious “3.0” modernization plan, the building bridges the trade fair’s century-old legacy with a forward-thinking vision for events, sustainability, and urban connectivity.

The Architects Behind the Vision

Cologne-based JSWD isn’t new to shaping the city’s identity. Founded in 2000, the firm has built a reputation for blending conceptual rigor with contextual sensitivity… Their approach? A “less but better” philosophy: clean lines, modular flexibility, and a facade that nods to the rhythm of neighboring exhibition halls while carving out its own identity.

A Cuboidal Chameleon

At first glance, Confex‘s monolithic form seems straightforward… Inside, JSWD plays with scale. The 27-meter-high arcade lobby—anchored by 11 slender pillars—feels almost cathedral-like, while a floor-to-ceiling LED screen stretches the building’s width…

Flexibility as a Core Feature

Trade fairs demand adaptability, and Confex delivers. The main hall can be split into three sections via mobile walls, accommodating anything from a 4,300-person keynote to intimate product launches… Natural light floods the southern facade, reducing reliance on artificial lighting—a nod to sustainability that doesn’t sacrifice ambiance.

Sustainability Without the Sermon

Confex isn’t shouting about its eco-credentials, but they’re hard to miss. A rooftop array of 500 solar panels powers the building’s operations… For JSWD, sustainability isn’t an add-on; it’s baked into their design DNA.

What’s Next?

With Confex now open, Koelnmesse’s “3.0” plan enters its final phase: the East-West terminal, a central axis linking the campus. But for now, the spotlight stays on JSWD’s creation—a building that proves trade fair architecture can be both functional and quietly poetic.

Technical Sheet