Alsterterrassen

The new city quarter bordering Hamburg’s Alsterterrasse is complemented by an open communicative area whose aura stretches far beyond its urban surroundings. At first sight the somewhat restrained block perimeter development hides a “secret” idyllic location in its interior. Shielded from the hustle and bustle of the city, a tranquil area is created, centred around the landmark fountain. The closed perimeter development style of the surrounding buildings serves as the basis for the design. With the use of subtractive sections, it is sculpturally ”hollowed“ out into a differentiated urban structure. Two passageways run through the quarter, linking the urban space in the east with the green space in the west. The “carved out” public spaces in turn result in three urban constellations that combine into a coherent ensemble. Two-storey roof gardens add rhythm to the building volumes without breaking with the clear structure. Depending on the perspective, the delicate relief of the façades evokes the impression of a shimmering curtain of stone. As a variation on a theme, three different column styles arranged asymmetrically, each create their own play of light and shadow.