schneider+schumacher

he new “Westharbour” quarter was one of the most interesting and attractive new urban developments in Frankfurt due to its central location and being right on the river. schneider+schumacher developed main parts of the master planning and executed four of its key buildings (West Harbour Tower, West Harbour House, West Harbour Bridge-Building and West Harbour-Pier) at both ends of the site.

The Westhafen Brückengebäude (West Harbour Bridge-Building) is one of an ensemble of three buildings, all designed by our practice, which are the prelude to the new urban quarter “Westhafen”, the Western Harbour of Frankfurt. Abandoned as a harbour it is now being newly developed.                                                     

Today on the fringe of the city, the site is a superb waterfront location with offices, mixed use and housing. The Bridge-Building received its name from both, its elevated construction as well as its location on the site of the former lock into the West-Harbour. It is positioned perpendicular to the river and juts out over the water, marking the end of the green space alongside the river. Our practice was fortunate enough to be able to secure the best unit in the house, top floor, double height and facing the river, as our own offices. The whole space is awash with light and offers spectacular views as well as a great variety of working environments. While the main floor has two-person tables positioned perpendicular to the façade and a central core accommodating the meeting rooms, the gallery has a long workbench as a balustrade and the feel of a deck. Both spaces are connected by the curved roof. Facing the waterfront is the most impressive space, the double height “bow” of the building. Located here is only a long counter holding the drawing archive and a very large table which is being used for casual meetings, brain storming sessions or competition work. This space is continued onto a terrace overlooking the water. The fit-out was also designed by our practice and custom made for these premises. Tables are white, cabinets are black and only the space dividing built-in cupboards are in natural MDF  to give the meeting rooms a warm atmosphere. The glazed partitions achieve highest possible transparency as well as maximum reflection because of their completely flush surface and thus enhance the airy feel of the office.