Outline Concept
“A compact vertical office tower is bound to the Grossmarkthalle, which serves as an entrance threshold. This combined building form is woven together to provide a distinct building for the bank. The remaining site is given over to landscape and infrastructure facilitating security.

Selective programming (library, visitors center and auditorium) allows the hall to retain its open volumetric identity while inserting appropriate security program-types into this significant space.

Articulation of building mass (openings) creates transparency thus mediating scale. These cuts in the building provide a reverse figure-ground where they are in scale with adjacent buildings. Reflective surfaces (skin) versus materially opaque surfaces (cuts) provide an ephemeral effect on the skyline.

Two growth modules have been located within the overall tower mass.

The perimeter landscape is formed by a series of large-scale lawns and tree groves, which work with sculpted berms and dense plantings to create a secure zone around the building.

Sectionally the ground plane rises through the building providing an entrance platform underneath the office tower. This surface then ramps down to the river into a series of fingers, which contain support program including sport-fitness, classrooms and the chapel. A series of moats articulate and further isolate the bank grounds.

Split-level is conceived as a structural means to improve communication between working groups. Groups have the ability with a split-level configuration to grow or reduce in both east-west long direction of the building or in the short north-south direction. The office tower block is organised with office spaces on the outside walls and multi-zones or conference areas in the center.”