Central Tower Berlin

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.
Location

Berlin, Germany

Client
HBReavis
Status
Competition
Start year
2023
End year
2024
Gross area
38.250 m2
Accreditation
LEED Platinum
Photos
Bobak Studio

City First

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.

A Strong Identity

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. With a decentralized ventilation system we try to minimize systems and optimize floor to ceiling heights to the benefit of the tenants. 

Two buildings in One

We have designed a public building and an office tower. Our design is split into a public base respecting the existing context with an office tower above.

The two together offer new opportunities for the city, its people and the office market. These have an inherent tactile quality that responds to human scale, creating a distinctive sense of place. In the past, buildings had a clear character that told you where you were (near the docklands), an environment dedicated to functionality. 

Want to know more?

While ARROW’s roots are set in Scandinavia, our outlook is global, sharing Scandinavian values with the rest of the world. We’re explorers, curious to discover what can be brought back home following the completion of global projects.

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