The 25Hours Hotel »The Circle« in Cologne is part of the comprehensive redesign of the so-called Gerling quarter in the heart of Cologne. Close to Friesenplatz, the former area of the Gerling Insurance Group was to be converted into the Cologne location of the 25hours Hotel Chain. studio aisslinger signed responsible for the entire interior design as well as the creative planning, which encompassed all areas of construction. It developed the concept of retrofuturism, guiding the work based on the specific architecture of the existing building, a spectacular rotunda, the former administrative headquarter of the insurance company. This building was understood as stone witness of the time of its construction, the late 50s and 60s, examined for traces of the optimism for the future and the technical euphoria that sparked these years. These traces were playfully combined with classical design, vintage pieces and custom-made furniture to create a retrofuturistic atmosphere oscillating between the past future and the future present. That way, 207 rooms of different types and sizes were created, whose colourful, playfully detailed yet functional character provides a temporary home for the urban nomad of our times. The slightly indented penthouse level on top the building houses the Neni restaurant and the monkey bar, the unusually spatious lobby offers several kiosks, a pop-up art corner and a co-working Café, all of which turning the concept of retrofuturism into a unique experience