Outline Concept
“More than just an object of historic preservation, the architectural structure of the Grossmarkthalle is adapted to provide the spatial and organizational basis for the development of the new Premises for the European Central Bank.

The central space of the Grossmarkthalle allows it to serve as the facility’s circulation spine and contains the program’s special functions including conference rooms, auditorium, library, and dining facilities.

An alternating series of bar buildings and landscaped areas, based on the spatial module of the existing building’s barrel vaults, create a flexible matrix of loft spaces that accommodate the program of general offices to the north and south of the Grossmarkthalle.

A double glass roof, whose geometry is generated by a horizontal extrusion of the Grossmarkthalle’s vault sections, extends over the entire complex affording natural light and serving as the primary component in anadvanced sustainability strategy.

A vertical element above the West Wing of the Grossmarkthalle contains the administrative offices and deliberative facilities for the ECB’s Decision Making Bodies and projects the institution’s presence on a regional scale.

Clear site, keep historic building. Extend low-rise 15m wide floor plate office blocks out from the historic building, while transforming it into the communicator and social heart of the building. Bring landscape, gardens and water in between floor plates. Wrap entire building with efficient, transparent thermal envelope, reducing both total building envelope area and subsequent energy transfer through envelope. Roof designed for both passive thermal heating and efficient thermal barrier. Roof glazing brings light into gardens and offices.”