The World Heritage Committee accepted that Dresden could remain on the list if the present plans were replaced by a solution that it felt respected the site. Otherwise, the committee decided, Dresden would be struck off the list. The site's status will be re-examined next year.

Schlaich Bergermann and Partner's design was selected as project laureate from a field of six competition entries. The design is described as a light and transparent structure, chosen in order to minimise the visual impact of the construction on the historic city skyline and palaces along the Elbe.