Elbphilharmonie construction site, Hamburg

The major construction project Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg is known for constant cost increases and delays, much like Berlin BER Airport or Stuttgart 21. Nevertheless, an impressive and literally towering building is emerging here as the finale to the new Hafencity. This week, I had the chance to visit the construction site and, among other things, take a look from the 24th floor, where apartments are being built.

The glass facade above the old warehouse walls consists of 47 mm thick glass panels with screen-printed dots that create brightness gradients and patterns. From the apartments, which will later be luxuriously furnished, you have breathtaking views of Hamburg harbour and the city centre. You should have a head for heights, as the glass windows stretch from floor to ceiling. In the recessed loggias, the “tuning forks” open up an airy, unobstructed view of the outside and below.

Above the concrete dome of the concert halls, the roof structure of the wave-like flowing roof is being completed. The building finally opened in November 2016 and today forms an impressive new landmark as the gateway to the new Hafencity.