BDA Hamburg Architektur Preis 2010

construction projects: construction of the 14-storeyed head office of the Spiegel Consortium as well as the construction of another office building (Ericus-Contor) on Ericusspitze at the eastern border of the HafenCity
locations: Ericusspitze 1, 20457 Hamburg-HafenCity
building contractor: Robert Vogel GmbH & Co. Kommanditgesellschaft, Hamburg
architects: Henning Larsen Architects, Höhler + Partner
project management: ABG Baubetreuung Gesellschaft mbH & CO.
landscape architects: WES & Partner Landschaftsarchitekten, Hamburg
structural framework: Dr. Binnewies, Hamburg
general planning consultant: DS-Plan AG, Cologne
building services: ISR Schlegel und Reußwig GmbH, Hamburg
lighting design: Kardorff Ingenieure Lichtplanung GmbH, Berlin
canteen: Ippolito Fleitz Group, Stuttgart
construction / material: 14-storeyed building construction, concrete construction, brick facade on the lower storeys, curtain double facade made of metal on the upper storeys
completed: 08/2011

The new 14-storeyed headquarters of the magazine Der Spiegel dominate the new building complex situated on Ericusspitze. The Ericus-Contor is also a part of it. As architectural landmark the "Spiegel" building is an attractive place to work at. Its transparent inner layout encourages random encounters and generates synergies. The buildings form two inviting public squares and thus add an extra asset to the city. One is a rather urban square intended for accommodating the arriving traffic and the other one is an open exterior square protected from the noise of traffic, designed for resting and equipped with stairs leading towards Kairopromenade and Lohsepark. The buildings share a sculptured base contrasting with the soft, delicate glass cubes. Red bricks and masonry relate to the historic warehouse district and the modern glass facades resemble sails. The sustainable building complex meets the high standard of requirements of the international labelling “Green Building“ and of the eco-labelling “Gold der HafenCity“.

With its new headquarters the internationally renowned media company “Der Spiegel“ makes yet another significant statement, this time concerning urban architecture. As a landmark it is situated at the eastern end of the HafenCity area, a location so vital for urban development. The two sculptured solitaire constructions open up the public space and at the same time they structure it. While an entrance area is expanding to the west, a slightly quieter square facing east is inviting pedestrians to stay. A future link to the Lohsepark will complete the integration of the latter into the urban structure. The architectural contrast between base and glass structures at the top has also been implemented in a very convincing way. While the red bricks relate to the existing quay walls, the glass structures evolve into an emblematic abstraction. The the draft, that had been submitted to the jury, originally included a very distinct second textile level of facade which emphasised the intended reference to ship’s sails. Unfortunately, the second facade level could not be realised and thus the intended reference was not accomplished. Inside, the building offers an unexpected range of space to the company’s employees. Initially, there should have been a spatial differentiation between the areas behind the large windows and the remaining office areas which unfortunately has only partially been implemented. Overall, this construction shows how the presentation of a corporate culture can successfully be combined with the legitimate interests of a city.