Increasing urbanisation and climate change are causing cities to become hotter and hotter. These so-called “hot cities” pose a challenge, as extreme temperatures affect the quality of life of residents and put a strain on infrastructure. In the current issue of SOUQ magazine, Thomas Lücking explains how climate-resilient construction can be used to respond to this development.
Through climate-resilient construction, buildings and urban structures can withstand the effects of climate change and at the same time contribute to reducing heat islands. One example of this is the King Fahad National Library, which is characterised by an ornamental façade consisting of rhomboid-shaped textile sails. While traditional Saudi architecture often screens out natural daylight and sunlight and requires artificial lighting inside, the unusual façade structure specifically regulates the high levels of solar radiation. The roof zone is also part of the lighting system. It is equipped with narrow skylights and white plastic membranes that reflect direct sunlight and allow filtered daylight to flow into the interior in a controlled manner. Layered ventilation and floor cooling are particularly important for the interior. Only the lower three metres, which correspond to the actual occupied area, are kept at a pleasant temperature. Together with the square in front of it, the King Fahad National Library represents an unusual combination of traditional construction and climate and energy-sensitive design. You can read the full article here from p. 38 – https://www.ghorfa.de/de/publikationen/souq/.
Gerber Architekten has designed 4 residential buildings for the former shipyard site in Tallinn, which are arranged along the water’s edge. Floor-to-ceiling glass surfaces create a flowing connection between the interior and exterior spaces and provide an unobstructed view of the coast, while a large esplanade in front forms a spacious recreational zone with a transition to the coastal landscape. The four building complexes are surrounded by an urban environment with a harbour, historic industrial architecture and a wide range of outdoor activities. The striking combination of glass surfaces with wood-panelled, closed wall sections enables the design of both open and discreet living situations in the stacked flats, which form open-plan living spaces.
Gerber Architekten is delighted that the topping-out ceremony for the new Chamber of Skilled Crafts building was celebrated last Wednesday, 5th of June 2024. The new building, which is being realised in close cooperation with the Chamber of Skilled Crafts, represents an important step towards expanding the Chamber’s training and administration facilities.
The innovative construction project includes modern training rooms, workshops and administrative areas that are optimally tailored to the needs of tomorrow’s tradespeople. The new building will not only decisively improve the infrastructure of the Chamber of Skilled Crafts and set an example for the future of skilled crafts in Saarland. With its self-sufficient cubature, the new building supports Pingusson’s construction and opens up to the listed park area of the former French Embassy, with two inner courtyards providing insights into the Chamber of Skilled Crafts’ fields of work as glass showcases.
We would like to thank everyone involved for their commitment and support and look forward to the completion of the project.
On the 7th of May, the time had finally come: we took part in the B2Run in Dortmund and had a really wonderful day together. Almost a third of our colleagues took part and made the day a very special experience. It was great to see how many of us joined together at the start and mastered the 5.5 km running distance.
In addition to the run, there were many interesting activities and health-related information booths that we enjoyed exploring. However, our commitment to a good cause was particularly close to our hearts. On this day, we not only pushed our physical fitness, but also actively supported the fight against blood cancer. With our donation to the DKMS, we were able to make a significant contribution and make a difference.
The B2Run in Dortmund was not only a sporting highlight for us, but also a day on which we grew together as a team and did something good. We are proud of our achievement and are already looking forward to the next event!
The foundation stone for the new town hall in Ahlen was laid on 13 May 2024 as the first phase of the new civic campus. This was preceded by a planning phase that involved the active participation of local residents. The structure of the elongated, angled building block responds to its special location between the Werse riverside promenade and Ahlen’s historic town wall. From the building, which is divided into sections of different heights, you can enjoy the view of the neighbouring city park and the historic old town. Mayor Dr Alexander Berger (2nd from right) particularly emphasised the energy efficiency and quality of the space and usage concept of the new building, which is designed to meet contemporary needs and is due to be occupied in 2026.
Since its foundation stone was laid in 1992 and its completion in 1994, the Harenberg City Centre has been a permanent fixture in Dortmund’s cityscape. Over the three decades, the 19-storey tower block has become an unmistakable landmark at the entrance to the Union Quarter.
The building ensemble, consisting of a striking trio, is characterised by a special design. A slightly curved, 6-storey wing follows the course of the historic wall and is connected to a high-rise building via a glass hall. With this unmistakable silhouette, the Harenberg City Centre characterises Dortmund’s skyline. Its elegant façade design and flexible floor plans make it a versatile and functional building complex. Filigree, restrained and yet representative, it blends into the city centre with its forecourt. As a location for congresses and cultural events as well as an office building, the elegant Harenberg City Centre is a striking part of Dortmund’s architectural history.
In 2023, Gerber Architekten achieved 10th place out of 21,400 German offices in the ranking of competitionline, a platform for architecture, construction and design competitions. This represents a significant leap compared to the previous year 2022. The ranking is a recognition of our dedication, our commitment to high-quality architecture and our search for creative solutions. We would like to thank our teams in Dortmund, Berlin, Hamburg, Münster, Düsseldorf, Riyadh and Shanghai – our clients and partners for their support along the way.
One year after the foundation stone was laid, the topping-out ceremony for a new residential project by Gerber Architekten has taken place in Hamburg. Senator Karen Pein and Snezana Michaelis, member of the SAGA Management Board, emphasised the signal effect of this project in view of the serious need for housing in the Hanseatic city.
The 153 flats of various sizes and with adjoining underground car parks are embedded in a park-like landscape with mature trees. Each of the 1-5 room flats has a balcony or terrace. Together with the adjoining residential building by Gerber Architekten, they form a new district centre in the middle of a heterogeneous environment of detached houses and multi-storey residential buildings. With the typical regional clinker brick façade and the combination of housing and retail, a new centre with a high quality of life and living is being created near Hagenbeck’s zoo. Occupancy of the new flats is scheduled to begin in a year’s time.