Outline Concept
“The embodied energy of the successive constructions of the Grossmarkthalle is a foundation for the new premises of the ECB. It is given new significance and the opportunity for new histories by the insertion of the public and conference functions of the ECB into its volume. The circulation of the visiting public and conference activity will animate its large volume and enhance the visual power of its structure and enclosure. Its structural organization is extended upwards to shape the pods -modular double storied office units- designed to be expanded upwards as the ECB growth needs demand.

The new ECB premises is conceived of a horizontal skyscraper. The functional program dictates a large scale construction which is housed in a dominantly horizontal structure. Unlike the self-contained autonomy of a vertical skyscraper, this horizontality better serves the circulation and security of the ECB premises, and provides a iconographic presence of the ECB by its juxtaposition with the vertical Frankfurt skyline.

The new ECB premises extends into the landscape as a nodal point at the junction of the green belt and the planned riverside park. Existing large expanses of paved land have been planted over, while parking is provided under this greenscape. A south annex building is planned as a covered landscape, shaped by the site access roads and the modularity of the pods. The east coffee bridge directly connects the premises with the Main River and a new pedestrian bridge. A cafe and park space is planned for the bank of the river.”