Outline Concept
“In our opinion, the ECB, as the top monetary controlling body in Europe, should not compete with private institutions to have the tallest headquarters. The central role played by the ECB - responsible for monetary policy and price stability at the interface between the political and economic realms - should find expression in striking, modern architecture that will provide the appropriate democratic basis for the future development of this European institution.

The theme of the design complies with the urban planning constraints imposed by the City of Frankfurt for the central market hall area. The historical market hall - a listed structure and a unique symbol of trade and commerce in the city - forms the focus and functional spine of the entire ensemble. The dynamic lines of the new structure, accentuated by the rising and falling movement of its low-rise, fan-shaped, rotated layout, accentuate the visual interplay between old and new as well as the symbolic importance of tradition and progress. Through a combination of high points (the entrance hall and sky bar on the Mainkai) and low points, fascinating views into and out of the building are achieved.

The functional concept is distinguished by its clarity, comprehensibility and a high degree of flexibility.

The comb-like layout of the office zones and a transparent distribution level ensure easy orientation within the complex. This distribution “seam” also houses infrastructure facilities for employees, and a large restaurant, which is linked by a diagonal route with the entrance hall.

Discussion gardens establish a spatial rhythm in the rising face of the building and afford views to the River Main. Sliding roofs, rather Iike those in convertibles, help to create high-quality leisure spaces beneath the sloping outer enclosure.

General facilities such as conference spaces, the press zone and the library have been inserted or suspended within the extensive volume of the historic market hall.”