Outline Concept
“Considering the givens led us to believe that a tall building is neither what the ECB want nor what is appropriate for the site, but rather the desire for the iconic value of a tower.

The secured office space is located in what can be seen as a horizontal tower. A pair of floating glass beams, raised above the Grossmarkthalle, which span from endblock to endblock. Free from noise and air pollution from the adjacent railway, afforded good daylight, good orientation to prevailing winds aiding natural ventilation, fabulous 360° views, relationship to the city, efficient security management, elevated from blast dangers and landmark status from the city and surroundings.

Public Spaces are located off Sonnemannstrasse. Semi-public spaces are located in the Grossmarkthalle, easily accessible, manageable and they give the grand space life and activity.

Private spaces for ECB staff are leading to an elevated street, along which the two beams of office space are orientated. The Street sets up an axis from Ostend to the Financial District and visually maintains the relationship between the two. The Street with cafés, points of interest, meeting places and landscaping along its length.

Ancillary buildings are located under the landscaped berm, allowing access for both the public and the employees of the Bank and its visitors.

With security a high priority, integration of a physical barrier and its impact visually is integral to the scheme. A ring of roses is seen as ideal. The roses grows to a height of 2 metres, are hardy and vigorous growing and requires no maintenance. Densely planted they are impossible to walk through.”