Outline Concept
“Our proposal is founded upon a unifying framework representing the community and its future growth, stabilised by the ECB. This framework inspires our design, with the influence of the ECB symbolised by the unifying impact of the Grossmarkthalle on the overall scheme. The sculptural decision-making-chamber, supported in the centre of the Grossmarkthalle, is physically and symbolically both at the heart of the Bank, and at the heart of Europe.

The building does not sit in a parkland setting but itself unfolds the earth. Out of this parkland emerges the familiar form of the Grossmarkthalle. Two distinctive linked towers that accommodate most of the office space rise on the river frontage of the site. Placed on the axis of Oscar-von-Miller-Strasse and of Grusonstrasse, they sign the location of the bank from all major approaches, alluding to its power and influence and yet still exhibiting a strong continuity with the landscape from which they emerge. The forms of the towers create an ever-changing aspect.

The processional route into the building creates a rising sense of anticipation punctuated by physical and visual events in the form of the Entry control points, the Promenade and the ‘Sentinel’ entry building. The route culminates with entry into the Grossmarkthalle at first floor level.

From the point of entry the three main strands of entry circulation fan out to the visitor centre, the press and conference facilities and to the operational areas of the building.

At the heart of the operative part of the building is the ‘Hub’. This multi-storey, multifunctional space is the circulation link between all the major departmental subdivisions of the organisation and is supported by the main catering facilities.

The office spaces are clear of structure, on a consistent module and are completely flexible to a variety of alternative modes of office spatial layout.”