09/05/2024
We perceive highrise buildings as functioning on two distinct scales. One scale pertains to the human perspective, while the other involves its towering stature within the city skyline. Often, the human scale is neglected, lacking proper articulation. We advocate for a pronounced articulation of the building’s base, as it fosters a more compassionate human environment.
Our observation is that office buildings often privatize surrounding spaces. This led us to ponder: How can we cultivate a more inclusive, communal tower that shares its amenities openly? One that is generous to both its neighbors and occupants. Hence, we’ve conceived a dual-purpose structure: a public edifice intertwined with an office space. Together, they give rise to a novel hybrid, dubbed City First.
The southern facade of the building is meticulously planned as an active photovoltaic surface right from the outset, rather than being an afterthought. This integration seamlessly combines electricity generation, shading, and architectural expression into a unified design.
Competition proposal for for their central Berlin site.
