Outline Concept
“The concentration of the new buildings on the south side does not disturb the ordinary view of the city on Grossmarkthalle. Nevertheless the ECB is clearly visible by the high-rise behind the Grossmarkthalle. The high-rises are oriented towards the Grossmarkthalle with their narrow sides, the broadside is facing downtown. Thus the high-rise are not blocking the view on Main-river, acting like a filter, between the Grossmarkthalle and the skyline of Frankfurt.

The entrance of the ECB is the Grossmarkthalle: a long ramp leads into the first floor. The arrangement of these functions leaves the space character of the Grossmarkthalle further noticeable: the view in longitudinal axis is almost not disturbed and shows a unique space.

A vis-à-vis to the town center and its high-rises is achieved by the formation of several high-rises: a counter pole to the bank high-rises thus the ECB is supplemental to the skyline and enriches the existing city shape.

Being a landmark itself the buildings adjust themselves into the city. The extensive property is also a part of the surrounding, via the admission of urban guidelines. A sewing of the urban side with the river side takes place, by generous connections for the public, and sewing lines covering the site, harmonising the urban guide lines. Patches, dropping or rising up, design buildings or landscape-architectural elements

The high-rises are cut diagonal in the upper floors. These surfaces are reflecting the sky in different ways, thus the buildings seem to be slimmer and lighter.

In order to prevent a complete reflection, open spaces are arranged at both faces: the north sides takes up most of the elevators and the south sides are combined into four levels, each case; giving room for the meeting-points.”