In early February 2026, the CUBITY Atelierhaus in Merzenich became a meeting place for regional entrepreneurs. At the invitation of Mayor Georg Gelhausen, participants came together with consultant and coach Nicole Monz for a workshop that combined exchange, outlook, and discussions on the region’s future.
Following an architectural introduction and guided tour of the building, led by our research associate Sharon Nathan, Mayor Gelhausen opened the main program. The focus was on current developments around Poolplatz in Merzenich as well as the long-term transformation of the Hambach open-pit mine. By 2070, Germany’s second-largest lake is set to emerge here – a project expected to bring profound changes not only to the landscape, but also to the region’s economy and society.
„This atmosphere, this space, this warmth. We never expected a building like this in Merzenich,” said one workshop participant.
Mayor Georg Gelhausen opens the workshop’s main session, explaining current developments in Merzenich and the transformation of the Hambach open-pit mine to participants. © Sharon Nathan
The attending entrepreneurs were impressed by the architectural quality and conceptual clarity of the CUBITY Atelierhaus. The building was perceived not only as an event venue, but as one of the first visible realizations of structural transformation in the Rhenish mining district.
During the discussions, a potential future workshop in cooperation with Forschungszentrum Jülich was also proposed – another step toward strengthening collaboration between business, science, and local government, and developing shared perspectives for the region.