In the coming years, Gruner + Jahr plans to build new publishing headquarters, centrally located in Hamburg's HafenCity between Lohse park, the long-distance train line and Ericusgraben. The architectural concept of this competition entry derives from the idea of a tectonic layering of building beams. Within the floor plan (which takes the shape of an 8) an alternation of positive and negative spaces, large-format openings and multi-purpose outdoor and gallery areas will be developed.
The building takes up the existing outer edges developed from the surrounding area. The structure and height development of the building accord with the goal of the best possible lighting and integration – both within and outside of the building. The building is divided into three sustained horizontal bands, each of which integrates several floors. A sloping inner bar divides the large volume into a ten-story section on the northeastern side and into a seven-story section on the southwestern. In addition to numerous flexibly purposed exterior and terrace areas, the rotation of the bar creates generous openings. As "windows" in the structure, these openings offer views in and out and break up the severe outer edge in favor of interconnectedness with the surroundings.
The sculptural structure with continuous bands of windows is covered by a facade comprised of vertical, light-colored ceramic units. Graduated in depth, the units emphasize the division into three bands and lend the volume a tangible materiality and presence that pure glass buildings often lack.
The primary goal of the inner structure is to offer a variety of spaces and flexible possibilities for cooperative as well as concentrated work. This is intended to support future changes in the working environment and also the possibility of third-party use.
Architects — Barkow Leibinger, Berlin, Frank Barkow, Regine Leibinger
Team — Martina Bauer (Associate), Marie Benaboud, Christian Busch, Sophia Hannekum, Robert Tzscheutschler (Head of Competition), Francesca Zecca, Andreas Moling (Modell)
Programm
Offices
Location
Hamburg, Germany
Size
53.400 sq m
Competition
02/2018 - 06/2018
Client
HIH Projektentwicklung GmbH in Cooperation with Gruner+Jahr GmbH & Co KG
Structural Engineer
Knippers Helbig GmbH, Berlin
Fire Protection
Peter Stanek, Berlin
Cost Consultant
Höhler und Partner Architekten Part GmbB, Hamburg