ul class="overview_list " id="projectList">

  • Greater Helsinki Vision. Eight profiles, one unity, Helsinki

    'Holistic Uniqueness' proposes a future vision and a robust
    development framework for Greater Helsinki, Finland. The
    region is globally positioned as the interface between the EU and
    Russia. A high-velocity train network links Helsinki to the Baltic
    centres, Stockholm, Tallinn and St. Petersburg, establishing a
    transnational connection.

    The Greater Helsinki Region itself is defined as a configuration of eight core areas, each characterised
    by a unique programmatic and spatial profile. Based on
    the incorporation of global future developments (like energy
    shortage, demographic change etc.) and existing local potentials,
    the profiles act as concepts for sustainable development -
    ensuring global competence and creating local identity at the
    same time. A specific urban form and structure are proposed for
    each area, strengthening the programmatic profile and creating
    diverse relations between urban and green spaces. Within
    this metropolitan configuration, each area will offer something
    unique. Therefore they are linked not only by a sophisticated
    transport system but more importantly by complementation of
    each other.

    Idea
    2007

  • TXL Restart. Integral Systems, Berlin-Tegel

    The airport Berlin Tegel is going to be closed down. TXL will be developed as a high-quality research, industry and business park with the profile of 'urban technologies'. A strategic master plan builds the foundation for a flexible - and therefore, robust - planning process. Developmental guidelines and a profound system of rules create a structural, programmatic and creative quality of strategic important subareas.

    Simultaneously, more flexible developmental options are being allocated for other areas. ‚Quarters' profiles' emphasize existing potentials of subareas and strengthen the specific identity. An integrated concept for energy and water supports sustainable development: biomass, geothermal energy, wind energy and photovoltaics provide regionally generated energy. Gray and rainwater is being collected, refined and reused regionally. An urban aerial railway connects the site with the station and the tram. Here, the aerial railway is not only an efficient, sustainable means of transport but also represents sustainable mobility in terms of the site's profile.

    completed
    2012

  • House 1, Tirana

    House 1 is the first built project of the masterplan 'mirror twins'. On top of a shared commercial ground floor a green link connects the site with the close-by park. The two seperate buildings connected by the common plinth are generating an enormous amount of requested square meters. Rather massive volumes are perforated by a series of programmatic voids that connect to a common circulation space, an inner void. The much needed public space is integrated into the building by creating a second entry level and reinterpreting the circulation space. The engraving appearance
    of House 1 refers to the typical salient facades of Tirana. Multiple tilted strips create a rich play of light and shadow.

    completed
    2009

  • District Centre Mastbrook, Rendsburg

    The urban concept is based on a compact building envelope positioned on the plot, creating multifarious open public spaces for various outdoor use. The compact volume is achieved by stacking the program: The space-centred gym is located on the first floor, the community centre with its open, active and animating facades is based on ground level. Emerging from its program, the building volume is shaped with several recesses and kerfs.

    The entrances to the different functions are visualized by cut-outs of the volume. The building attains efficiency by layering functions and multiple-shift usage. The structure consists of a mix of reinforced concrete on the base and prefabricated cross-laminated timber on the upper storey. On the ground level, the facades are designed with large glazing elements and fibre-cement coated with colourful patterns. The facades of the gym are clad with black, large scale trapezoidal sheetings. Translucent façade areas from polycarbonate panels stretch around the upper corners, in order to give further differentiation to the building volume and embed it in the surrounding scale.

    Idea
    2014

  • Green Wave. Glitnir Bank Hq, Reykjavik

    The design concept 'Green Wave' generates a holistic image and a characteristic coastal skyline for the site of Kirkjusandur in Reykjavik, Iceland. Two design principles characterize the appearance of all buildings: The dynamic shape of the wave as an aesthetic concept and the integration of green spaces as vital elements of functional and atmospheric quality. The new headquarters of Glitnir Bank, a nine-storey building addressing the prominent highway Sæbraut, will be the key figure for the future development.

    The elevated entrance plaza is secluded from the public flow on ground level and sheltered from heavy winds coming from the shore. Open working spaces can be organised and subdivided flexibly. Winter gardens on each floor increase internal lighting, provide space for informal communication and create a comfortable atmosphere and climate. A decentralized ventilation system and a heating system based on geothermal energy are implemented, which are economical in maintenance, space-saving and highly energy efficient. The façade consists of tilted glass elements creating a "deep skin" that reflects natural and artificial light in different angles.

    Idea
    2006/07

  • Urban Living. Vacant sites over the rooftops of the city, Berlin

    In accordance with building regulations, one could build at least three more full floors on top of the existing multi-storey car park Briesestraße: There is a vacant lot on top of the car park. In static terms one or two additional stories are feasible. By converting the existing floors and adding floors on top a unique building is created with a special atmosphere and spatial quality for different user groups (live and work).

    The concrete areas between the ramps are removed, which allows daylight to reach below street level. The additional units of the 2 ½ storeys are built as a light wooden panel construction. The visibility of the past leads to special appreciation. Thus, the acceptance for a good remix in the neighbourhood is far higher than for demolition and a new beginning.

    Idea
    2013-2014

  • Wolkenbügel Europacity Berlin, Berlin

    "... In the front the Baltic Sea, in the back the Friedrichstraße ..." In the EuroCity Berlin one can come close to this ideal. The design combines an urban block typology with a distinctively shaped bar - " the Wolkenbügel". Its shape is characterized by a large void. This wide passage connects the block via the neighbourhood square with the waterfront and at the same time the waterfront with the city.

    The void forms a partially covered urban stage for public uses such as weekly market, game or sport and thus a lively place along the promenade. The block is orientated to a central courtyard, which is connected to the neighbourhood square. The block is divided into ten different houses whose building height of seven floors decreases stepwise to five. All roofs are used as terraces. According to the different housing typologies and sizes, the widths of the houses vary as well. The houses are also distinguished in terms of facade rhythm and materiality.

    Idea
    2013

  • Expo Park Hannover, Hannover

    The former area of the World Exposition 2000 is being transformed into the EXPO PARK HANNOVER: a high-class business and technology park with excellent infrastructure within walking distance to the world's biggest fairground. About 85% of the area is already being used by businesses, service providers, institutions for higher education and event locations. For the remaining plots, a development study was commissioned in order to visualize possible designs and volumetric developments.

    Special attention was paid to a wide range of programmatic options. The allotment provides plots between 2.000m2 and 20.000m2 and floor areas between 4.000m2 and up to 30.000m2. Different building types were developed and visualized in order to serve different needs concerning address-making, accessibility or internal organization. Exemplary designs are the OfficeTower, the ShowSPACE, the OfficeCUBES and the Start-upLAB.

    completed
    2006

  • Family Villa, Hannover

    A listed villa of the 1850ties was converted into two family apartments. The large garden is used collectively. The 1st and 2nd floors were redesigned in relation to the needs of a couple with five children. Spaces „suitable for everyday use" are created and at the same time, the special character of the historic building with its ornamental elements and valuable wooden floors is strengthened.

    To reestablish the former spaciousness a multitude of fixtures and walls were demolished. The roof was reconstructed according to current energetic standards. The first floor serves as an entrance area with a large hall leading to the kitchen and the balcony. The master bedroom and one kid's room are orientated to the garden. The former ballroom as the heart of the building is used as a dining and living room. The space has an impressive size (55m2, 6m high) and is decorated with an ornamental ceiling that was preserved and - where necessary - restored. A gallery is installed into the ballroom as a slender glass-steel-structure: The stairs are suspended from the gallery to keep the parquetry untouched. The second floor is reserved „for kids only" and features four rooms, a play hall, and a bathroom. The staircase between the two floors is enhanced in its spaciousness by opening up a part of the ceiling. All design and constructive measurements were undertaken in detailed consultation with the institution for historic preservation.

    completed
    2012

  • Office Building. New Lands Commission, Accra

    The design for the landmark building of 5.500sqm, housing the New Lands Commission, will be a symbol of the new spirit of transparency and efficiency, bringing together the currently dispersed Land Sector Agencies. The building has an important symbolic impact due to the recent nationwide establishment of the land registry and is to represent a new All-Ghanaian identity. The design responds to local climatic and social parameters throughout all scales.

    All design elements, from the urban setting out to the building's shape and its materialization aim towards natural and sustainable performance, fulfilling several functions at the same time. The circulation system forms the core of the building, spiralling upwards between two rings of offices on different levels. By breaking the clear separation between floors this system provides a continuous movement, bringing the NLC together on one continuous floor, with a variety of perspectives in and throughout the building. The parametric design of the outer appearance of the building guarantees functional performance whilst allowing for aesthetic variation. The diamond-shaped bamboo panels all follow the lowest sun-angle providing shade and filtered natural light at the same time.

    in progress
    2010-2015

  • Updating Nordweststadt, Frankfurt am Main

    Like many other residential schemes of the 1960s the Nordweststadt in Frankfurt requires an update of its building stock, a redesign that meets current and future demands of urban living. A set of transferable, integrative, and low-cost design measures is developed, focusing on three main tasks: Tidying up, the regeneration of neighbourhoods, and the strengthening of identity.

    Shrubs and trees are cut back, the parking is reorganized, pedestrian and cycle lanes are being introduced, new public spaces are designed and the courtyards are upgraded by private gardens, new public green amenity spaces and 'light pergolas' - a minimal architecture that connects basement parking with the courtyards and passes over into a podium with seating steps on ground level. The light pergolas enclose a small lounge, an external barbecue, water and electricity connections and a bicycle workshop. During evening hours and at night the pergolas illuminate the courtyard, by day these enable diverse and easy use of the courtyard and strengthen a lively community.

    completed
    2010-2014

  • Steinway Museum, Seesen

    In the 14-month planning and realisation stage, a baroque hunting castle in Seesen was redeveloped with a focus on simplicity and clarity at a reasonable price. Also, the permanent exhibition of the museum was conceived and moved.

    Central attention at the rebuilding work was the restoration of spatial relations and structures, as well as the creation of a high-quality, modern but timeless showroom, which is able to take on the various exhibits, including specialities such as 'The world's longest piano string. The exhibition has a modern pedagogical approach and offers attractions and information for all age groups. Additionally, the value was placed to increase children's participation through experimental- and multimedia stations. In this way the museum can be accessed by a variety of senses, understanding through seeing, hearing and touching.

    completed
    2012

  • King-Bansah-School, Hohoe

    Cityförster designed a school for the charity project of the King Bansah Ghana development association. Below an approx. 75m long roof several volumes will be constructed in a simple way representing a unique identity. The roof itself is split in two vertical shifted parts to provide natural ventilation for the air and light-permeable volumes. The air cools down beneath the canopies and circulates through the pattern openings of the concrete building blocks into the workshops. Once heated up the hot air exhaust through the rooftop vents.

    The roof is also used to mount numerous photovoltaic modules that provide the necessary self-sufficient power supply. The construction process will be split into three stages. After each stage, the completed buildings can be used immediately. In the first stage, the artisan workshops will be built. As a second stage, the workshops for wood and metalworking and the staff room will be constructed. Finally, the car repair shop and the covered forecourt will be added to the entire construction. The illumination and air ventilation are provided through customized brickwork. The openings in the concrete moulded bricks refer to patterns of traditional fabrics in Ghana. The lower wall segments are closed for dirt protection and they offer the opportunity for the sign paint shop to use their skills and write all donators names on the facade of the building.

    Idea