Outline Concept
“The new ECB building symbolises the strength of joined power in many aspects. The building is not a solitaire, but an ensemble of elements that form a significant silhouette. As a building for a supra-national Institution it symbolises the emerging new challenges and dynamic energies of the future in the common European market.

The building and the activity with[=of] the ECB communicate physical phenomena of eruptions and shooting spouts emerging from more than one source of energy representing the cultural diversity of the people co-operating.

The new buildings are integrated in the free flow of a homogeneous landscape and dissolving the borderline between landscape and architecture.

The existing ‘Grossmarkthalle’ is hit by the wave of new energies, like "driftwood" in the sea. The new, contrasting buildings frame the old market hall, yet retaining its original character. The charm of the enormous open space within the existing brick building is used as the inviting foyer into the building cluster. The reception centre and the generous exhibition area on the ground floor will supply visitors with information material. When passing the security point on the first floor people access the base of all five towers directly.

While security requirements call for a secure boundary along the property, the strategy of the landscape is to minimise its presence of a boundary by employing various, yet seamless elements such as embankments, walls, plantings and water. For instance: Although the restaurant area is visually connected with the public life on the riverbanks the restaurant terrace is protected by a water barrier. The landscape sensitively integrates with the riverside promenade directly to the south and the ‘green belt' pedestrian path on the east edge of the site.”