Towers on the Pedestal
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Under the framework of open dialog the two architecture firms GRAFT and Kleihues+Kleihues, as well as the “Genossenschaft für urbane Kreativität” (“Cooperative for urban Creativity)” developed an exemplary complex of buildings which seeks to find answers to the social, economic and ecological questions of our times.
The central idea is to create an inspiring and vivid place which sets new benchmarks with respect to the relationship between work and living as well as between public life and privacy. Start of construction is planned for 2015 on the northern part of the “Holzmarkt”- area along the Spree which was home to the legendary “Bar 25” up until 2011.
The design for the so-called “Eckwerk” takes on the characteristics and qualities of the location. In particular, it refers to the “Stadtbahnviadukt” which runs like a golden thread through the center of the city and gives identity to the property at hand. The base of the design is a pedestal which aligns with the streets stretching out as a backdrop, follows the progression of the viaduct in a two-story fashion and, on the northern side, expands vertically in topographic steps.
Inspired by the materiality and the form language of the viaduct, a place of interaction which goes beyond the building itself is created between the latter and the pedestal in the form of an alley from which the main entrances can be reached and from which public functions can be accessed. The pedestal elevates the main level to the same height as the viaduct and allows, like a city balcony, a direct look onto the water. On the pedestal five independently accessible towers are arranged, each providing to a maximum degree well exposed and highly flexible surfaces which can be used either for working or living.
The terraced landscape is designed as a multi-story market place and interfuses as an expansion area for Co-Working Spaces the floor plan of the towers. In order to allow using these throughout all seasons the area is covered by a climate shell in the form of a delicate structure composed of steel and glass.
The five towers are connected through an “experience path”, the so-called “mountain trail”. It connects the ensemble and expands locally into spaces of topically different design which serve as areas of exchange and relaxation. In parallel, it can be used for strolling and also presents an opportunity to the public to follow the events on the pedestal and terrace level or to get a view onto the city and the “Holzmarkt-village” without being obstructed by the work and living spaces. In contrast to the heavy and durable material of the pedestal, the towers embody lightness and changeability through their wooden frontage. Wood, which is regarded as a renewable future technology, also stands for tradition of Holzmarkt.
GRAFT И KLEIHUES+KLEIHUES
