ECKWERK HOLZMARKT

Under the framework of open dialogue, the two architecture firms GRAFT and Kleihues + Kleihues, as well as the “Genossenschaft für urbane Kreativität” (“Cooperative for Urban Creativity”) developed an exemplary complex of buildings which seeks to find answers to the social, economic and ecological questions of our times.
The central idea is to create an inspiring and vivid place which sets new benchmarks with respect to the relationship between work and living as well as between public life and privacy. Construction started in 2015 on the northern part of the “Holzmarkt” area along the River Spree which was home to the legendary “Bar 25” until 2011.

The design for Eckwerk draws on the characteristic qualities of the location, picking up the grain of the surrounding streets and referring to the “Stadtbahnviadukt” which runs like a golden thread through the center of the city and is a defining element of the site. To the north, the complex steps up vertically in topographic steps, creating a passage between the building and the viaduct – a place of interaction with the main entrances and access to public functions. The solid base of the building complex is the same height as the viaduct, its roof acting as an urban terrace with a view out over the water. Placed on top of the plinth are five independently accessible towers, each providing highly flexible spaces which can be used either for working or living.
The terraced landscape of the interior space is designed as a multi-level public market place and serves as a hybrid indoor-outdoor area for the co-working spaces. Covered by a delicate steel and glass construction, it can be used all year round.