Outline Concept
“An L-shaped horizontal and vertical European village: An integrated, dynamic complex, consisting of a base and a tower, both provided with atriums distributed at regular intervals.

The Grossmarkthalle: linking the new ECB premises to the centre of Frankfurt. The main entrance to the new complex is through the main facade of the Grossmarkthalle, facing the city centre. The Grossmarkthalle, which will be kept entirely in its current form, will become the new Communication Centre of the ECB.

The very extensive base area incorporates a large part of the workspace required, thus reducing the necessity to develop the complex in terms of its height. The edge of the base of the complex is designed to respond to the various elements that surround it, thus integrating it within the urban fabric. The tower is located on the south side to ensure a smooth translation into the Iow-rise neighbourhood, without casting a shadow on it.

The fluidity of the original fluvial landscape is reflected in the plant cover of the base as well as in the relief and vegetation of the riverside parks. A new public square in front of the entrance will form a link between the city and the Main. A new public square in front of the entrance will form a link between the city and the Main. It reinforces the transversal direction given by the linear elements, such as bridges and preserved tracks of port cranes.

Standard office spaces are best located in the tower. The base area allows for a high degree of layout flexibility. The most secure areas are to be located in its centre. The largest and most public functions are to be housed in the Grossmarkthalle.”