Preserve the architectural interior of the University Library at Cottbus, Germany!
Preserve the architectural interior of the University Library at Cottbus, Germany!
The Issue
We, architectural enthusiasts, artists and cultural workers, demand the protection of fundamental interior design elements of the University Library at Cottbus. The University Library (called „Information, Communication and Media Centre“ – ICMC) was planned and built in 2004 by the world-renowned architects Jacques Herzog and Pierre de Meuron from Basel. Despite the fact that the ICMC as a whole (including the exterior facade and the interior decoration) was listed in April 2025 as a National Monument, the unique, individual crafted furnishing elements, such as high-quality epoxy resin reading tables (with designer reading lamps), metal table elements, and two glossy white service counters on the ground floor, are acutely endangered.
The round service counter ("Servicepoint") was originally scheduled to be dismantled on July 1st, 2025. Through the intervention of the "Interessengemeinschaft Herzog-de Meuron“, an article in the "Lausitzer Rundschau“ newspaper on 1st July, 2025, and a discussion with the ICMC management and the university administration on 4th July, 2025, immediate dismantling was prevented. The dismantling of the other counter (previously the service counter for the lending service) was also included in the discussions between the interest group, the ICMC management and the administration and has been postponed for the time being.
This does not mean that the removal of the representative and functional service counters by Herzog and de Meuron, which with their uniqueness determine the character of the ground floor, is off the table. The counters were recently stripped of their technical equipment (computers) and are no longer used as such by the library services. Their fate is therefore uncertain.
To prevent further damage, we founded on 22nd June, 2025, the "Herzog-de Meuron Cottbus interest group“, which is an association of citizens interested in architecture and art. The main objective of this interest group was to establish a technical commission integrated into the structures of the BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg to accompany structural changes at the ICMC. The interest group has now come a significant step closer to achieving this goal, as both the Herzog de Meuron architectural firm, as the copyright holder, and the university administration have agreed to the formation of such a commission (see article in the "Lausitzer Rundschau“ newspaper of 4th September, 2025).
The intention of the university administration and the architectural firm Herzog de Meuron to establish a joint expert commission to accompany structural changes at the ICMC was expressly reaffirmed during a panel discussion on this topic held in Cottbus on 2nd October, 2025.
Unfortunately, the constitution of this commission is still pending. However, as long as such a commission does not actually exist, the task of the interest group and the aim of this petition have not yet been fulfilled. Further support for this petition is more urgent than ever in order to motivate those involved to continue of the path taken towards establishing a commission until its legally binding form.
So, with your signature, you can make a statement for the preservation of this internationally renowned and award-winning building with its unique interior design!
Further information about the building can be found on the website of the Herzog-de Meuron architectural firm:
An open letter with further information on the planned renovation and remodelling work on the ground floor can be found at the following link:
www.friendsoftheherzogdemeuronlibraryatcottbus.de
3
The Issue
We, architectural enthusiasts, artists and cultural workers, demand the protection of fundamental interior design elements of the University Library at Cottbus. The University Library (called „Information, Communication and Media Centre“ – ICMC) was planned and built in 2004 by the world-renowned architects Jacques Herzog and Pierre de Meuron from Basel. Despite the fact that the ICMC as a whole (including the exterior facade and the interior decoration) was listed in April 2025 as a National Monument, the unique, individual crafted furnishing elements, such as high-quality epoxy resin reading tables (with designer reading lamps), metal table elements, and two glossy white service counters on the ground floor, are acutely endangered.
The round service counter ("Servicepoint") was originally scheduled to be dismantled on July 1st, 2025. Through the intervention of the "Interessengemeinschaft Herzog-de Meuron“, an article in the "Lausitzer Rundschau“ newspaper on 1st July, 2025, and a discussion with the ICMC management and the university administration on 4th July, 2025, immediate dismantling was prevented. The dismantling of the other counter (previously the service counter for the lending service) was also included in the discussions between the interest group, the ICMC management and the administration and has been postponed for the time being.
This does not mean that the removal of the representative and functional service counters by Herzog and de Meuron, which with their uniqueness determine the character of the ground floor, is off the table. The counters were recently stripped of their technical equipment (computers) and are no longer used as such by the library services. Their fate is therefore uncertain.
To prevent further damage, we founded on 22nd June, 2025, the "Herzog-de Meuron Cottbus interest group“, which is an association of citizens interested in architecture and art. The main objective of this interest group was to establish a technical commission integrated into the structures of the BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg to accompany structural changes at the ICMC. The interest group has now come a significant step closer to achieving this goal, as both the Herzog de Meuron architectural firm, as the copyright holder, and the university administration have agreed to the formation of such a commission (see article in the "Lausitzer Rundschau“ newspaper of 4th September, 2025).
The intention of the university administration and the architectural firm Herzog de Meuron to establish a joint expert commission to accompany structural changes at the ICMC was expressly reaffirmed during a panel discussion on this topic held in Cottbus on 2nd October, 2025.
Unfortunately, the constitution of this commission is still pending. However, as long as such a commission does not actually exist, the task of the interest group and the aim of this petition have not yet been fulfilled. Further support for this petition is more urgent than ever in order to motivate those involved to continue of the path taken towards establishing a commission until its legally binding form.
So, with your signature, you can make a statement for the preservation of this internationally renowned and award-winning building with its unique interior design!
Further information about the building can be found on the website of the Herzog-de Meuron architectural firm:
An open letter with further information on the planned renovation and remodelling work on the ground floor can be found at the following link:
www.friendsoftheherzogdemeuronlibraryatcottbus.de
3
Petition created on November 8, 2025