Site review and open-ended planning of an inner-city area for a new cultural center

Context

The city of Herford is planning a future-proof new building for the Northwest German Philharmonic Orchestra, the Herford Theater, and other cultural uses. The rehearsal and event venues, which are over 60 years old, can no longer meet current requirements. The planned cultural center is intended to be a multifunctional venue with a 1,000-seat concert hall, a 550-seat theater, and a rehearsal hall. In order to develop a sound basis for decision-making on upcoming investments for the city of Herford, actori conducted an open-ended feasibility study at two centrally located sites, followed by an in-depth analysis of a preferred location.

Approach

From October 2024 to July 2025, actori worked with Kultur Herford GmbH to develop a comprehensive location solution for the ambitious cultural center project. Several modules built on each other to gradually clarify the feasibility and optimal implementation of the project.
In close cooperation with Kultur Herford GmbH and city officials, actori first assessed the complex initial situation. Joint site visits to the properties, including existing buildings, provided initial insights into urban planning possibilities and restrictions. At the same time, existing feasibility studies, space books, and space requirements were systematically evaluated. The analysis of planning law principles—from development plan specifications to monument protection requirements—created the basis for a realistic assessment of the implementation possibilities on the properties. Based on this, the decision was made in favor of an inner-city property with existing buildings.
actori developed concrete redevelopment proposals for the preferred site. Each proposal was examined in detail for feasibility: How can a 1,000-seat concert hall and a 550-seat theater be optimally arranged? What urban planning impact will this have? How would access and delivery work? Volumetric studies and schematic floor plans visualized the spatial possibilities and functional relationships. Based on the plans, a new vision for the building's use was also developed, positioning the cultural center as the “living room of Herford” beyond pure high culture, which was very well received by the Herford Cultural Committee during a presentation in June. (e.g., https://www.nw.de/lokal/kreis_herford/herford/24115997_Einstimmiges-Ja-Herford-plant-neues-Kulturhaus-auf-dem-Sparkassen-Gelaende.html)

Impact

• The site analysis enabled an initial assessment of the feasibility of the proposed plots, taking into account all planning restrictions.
• Concrete planning proposals provided realistic implementation scenarios for the complex spatial program with the highest logistical, functional, and acoustic requirements.
• Well-founded cost estimates created planning security for investment decisions.

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The project was implemented by Rebecca Heinzler, Head of Architecture, Franziskus Linsmann, project lead and Frank Schellenberg, managing director.