3rd prize in architectural design competition with seven participating offices. The competition concerns an area in the west of Hamburg’s Altona-Altstadt district, in the immediate vicinity of the Altona train station. The existing development consists of a heterogeneous mixture of historical parts of a perimeter block development, a solitary high-rise tower, as well as extension buildings, which are to be replaced as part of the competition. In correspondence to the forthcoming changes and new urban development brought about by the relocation of the long-distance and regional train station, the new buildings will create new space for offices and surgeries, as well as healthcare and age specialised housing. Referencing the existing building fabric is crucial to the development of the urban planning concept. DFZ’s idea is centred around functionality, but also on the site’s location within the urban environment. The ensemble thus corresponds with the very different buildings – the high-rise tower and the listed former Kaiserhof – translating them into a clear, contemporary design concept. Through the conceptual separation of the two parts of the new building, spatially and function-appropriate references to the respective surroundings can be implemented. The building adjoining the former Kaiserhof corresponds in height, proportion and materiality, creating an urban interaction between the listed and new building, as well as an interplay of facade designs. As an extension of the former Kaiserhof, a closed inner courtyard is planned, creating necessary rest areas. The high-rise building, “unanchored” in its urban environment, is surrounded by the L-shaped new building in the north. The planned passageway between the buildings provides a certain distance between the buildings, while simulatenously highlighting the tower. Entrances are planned through clear cuts in the otherwise clean design of the cubatures. Adhering to a reduced selection of sustainable materials enables a respectful, harmonious and subtle integration into the heterogeneous environment.
Competition: 3. Preis
Date: 2021
Use: administration, medical, special housing
Initiator: ROBERT VOGEL GmbH & Co limited partnership
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