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What does a forward-looking town hall look like? This question was the subject of a Europe-wide, open, two-phase competition. 157 offices submitted designs, and we were also interested in the task.

Specifically, the task was to design a new town hall for Berlin Mitte on the site of the Haus der Statik, combining the uses and functions of the current town hall with public spaces such as a library, canteen and exhibition areas.

Three guiding principles were central to our design: A free form that reflects the hybrid use and dynamic, non-linear processes of democracy, conveys openness and transparency, and invites participation. A sustainable construction method using renewable materials, an innovative supporting structure, an energy-efficient climate concept and flexible room structures that allow for adaptations and a long service life. And thirdly, the creation of a climate-resilient urban space with a high quality of life that has a positive influence on the microclimate.

Unfortunately, our design did not completely convince the jury. Congratulations to the winners, Atelier.Schmelzer.Weber Architekten with Storch. Landschaftsarchitektur, BfB – Büro für Baukonstruktionen and IPROconsult.

The exhibition featuring all competition entries is on display until 25 July at the Neues Stadthaus, Parochialstraße 3 in Berlin.

 

The brief was for a new town hall building that is climate-adapted, flood-resilient and integrated into the urban fabric, an open, future-proof building for administration and the urban community.

Our design forms a flat, three-storey structure with green inner courtyards and a clear urban design. The building is accessible for all, with a welcoming gesture from two sides – the main entrance on Kaiserplatz and an entrance from the railway station.

The ground floor houses the public-facing functions: information point, citizen services, exhibition area, canteen and meeting centre. The workspaces on the upper floors are organised according to the principle of activity-based working: two neighbouring areas per floor share central meeting points, quiet zones and communication areas. Courtyards, roof terraces and a winter garden also allow for outdoor working.

The construction follows the cradle-to-cradle principle, documented by a digital building resource passport. The supporting structure of the office areas is designed as a wood-hybrid skeleton. Load-bearing components are joined according to type – without adhesives or composite materials – and can later be completely dismantled and reused. Reinforced concrete is only used where it is necessary for structural reasons or to protect against flooding.

The building has also been designed to be consistently sustainable in operation: a PV system, ice storage, a heat pump and rainwater utilisation ensure climate-friendly supply. The ventilation system combines mechanical systems with natural ventilation. DGNB platinum certification has been taken into account.

Many thanks to Greenbox for the great collaboration and congratulations to Wittfoht Architekten on winning first prize!

All competition entries can be viewed in Stolberg until 26 July 2025: Steinweg 15, opening hours: Monday to Friday: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Photo: ©loomilux

On the former site of the Schneiders company on the corner of Bessarabierstraße and Aribonenstraße in Salzburg, an ensemble of three buildings and the existing building, parts of which are worthy of preservation, is to be constructed. The new polygon-shaped buildings create a central green space that serves as a recreational area and allows for an easy division of the site. The clever staggering of heights achieves a harmonious connection between the northern and southern buildings. The existing building, as a resilient house, accommodates uses such as commercial, office, and community uses, and offers a special, loft-like form of living on the top floor. Developed as a green residential area, the new neighbourhood connects to the surrounding district via various pathways, creating meeting places and enabling the unpretentious integration of privately financed and subsidised housing.

The landscape design is informed by the architectural language and brings as much greenery as possible into the community, while promoting sustainability. Private gardens, community playgrounds and urban garden areas are integrated to enrich the residents’ living experience. These provide both private outdoor spaces and shared spaces that encourage interaction within the community. In addition to the play areas for the daycare centre and the neighbourhood children, meeting points and relaxation areas have been created for the community, supporting social interaction and strengthening the sense of belonging in the neighbourhood. Ecological considerations are at the heart of the design, with a clear focus on biodiversity and environmental health.

Many thanks to IPC Project Consulting and Rainer Schmidt for the good cooperation!