Mecanoo has won a design competition for a new mixed-use tower in the center of Frankfurt, Germany. The new Frankfurt Grand Central Tower will be built in a plot that is bounded by Hafenstrasse and Adam-Riese-Strasse, on the north side of the railway. 

The 58,000-square-metre tower will be comprised of a 55,000-square-metre residential programme, 16,500-square-metre social housing, 2 underground garage levels, 1,300-square-metre kindergarten and 1,700-square-metre commercial functions. 

"The past few years have seen the beginnings of a transformation of the area between the railway and the Frankfurter Messe," said Mecanoo. 

"The arrival of the new residential tower with flexible workspaces, retail, catering, fitness and a kindergarten will be an important impetus for the transformation of this currently business-focussed area into a mixed neighbourhood for living and working." 

Mecanoo's design scheme to public space also contributes to this transformation. On the railway side, there will be a linear park that extends to the Central Station. On the city side, a green square will be added as a lively public space that will connect the area with the existing neighbourhood and with the centre of the city.

The tower is designed as a new icon in its own context. The tower, with its glass and copper-coloured metal façade, was inspired by the industrial atmosphere of the location. As the train approaches the station, passengers are welcomed by this iconic tower. The design consists of an ensemble of two volumes on a plinth. 

The 140-meter-high tower contains social housing up to the seventh floor and owner-occupied units and penthouses on the higher levels. The lower volume consists of social housing. 

The two buildings are connected by a transparent plinth, which is enlivened by residential entrances and facilities, thereby also animating the surrounding public space.

The tower having a dynamic shape seems to transform as you gaze upwards. As the tower rises, it widens, and the round corners gradually change into right angles. This subtle play of lines and perspectives gives the tower a characteristic silhouette. It is not the floor plans of the dwellings that are increasing in area, but the balconies that change in size and position. 

On the upper levels, glass screens add an extra layer to the façade and the balconies become continuous. The result is an iconic ensemble that gives the area a new identity.

Project facts

Programme: Mixed-use complex totalling 58,000 m2, with 55,000 m2residential programme, including 16,500 m2social housing, 2 underground garage levels, 1,300 m2 kindergarten and 1,700 m2commercial functions

Design: 2018, 1st prize competition

Client: Groß & Partner; PHOENIX Real Estate Development GmbH

All images courtesy of Mecanoo

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