HOME, Mannheim
In March 2017, architectural practice MVRDV released plans for the revitalisation of a former US army barracks in the Franklin Mitte neighbourhood of Mannheim.
The 144-hectare site will offer a mixed-use development, including a central ‘hub’, a green hill made from demolished barrack buildings,shops, restaurants, cafes and community spaces.
Key to the design are four residential towers, the form of which will spell the word ‘H-O-M-E’. Around each building there will be a plaza in the shape of the projected shadow of the letter, its size determined by local regulations that call for a certain distance between neighbouring buildings.
The ‘O’ tower will be 12,380 sq. m and contain 120 apartments, while the ‘M’ tower will be 17,890 sq. m and contain 185 apartments, each with a 'pixel-type' appearance.
The towers will each have bright individual colours making them stand out in the landscape, and will be orientated around the hill with a rotation towards the ‘Vogelstang’ district and the highway making them readable from a distance.
The challenge facing MVRDV was to introduce density and diversity, drawing on the site’s existing fabric, while reusing and repurposing the original barracks to create a new community space.
Content and images courtesy of MVRDV.
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Exchange for Change for UK deposit return scheme
The UK Deposit Management Organisation established to deliver Deposit Return Scheme unveils trading name.
A guide to integrating heat pumps
As the Future Homes Standard approaches Future Homes Hub publishes hints and tips for Architects and Architectural Technologists.
BSR as a standalone body; statements, key roles, context
Statements from key figures in key and changing roles.
ECA launches Welsh Election Manifesto
ECA calls on political parties 100 day milestone to the Senedd elections.
Resident engagement as the key to successful retrofits
Retrofit is about people, not just buildings, from early starts to beyond handover.
Plastic, recycling and its symbol
Student competition winning, M.C.Esher inspired Möbius strip design symbolising continuity within a finite entity.
Do you take the lead in a circular construction economy?
Help us develop and expand this wiki as a resource for academia and industry alike.
Warm Homes Plan Workforce Taskforce
Risks of undermining UK’s energy transition due to lack of electrotechnical industry representation, says ECA.
Cost Optimal Domestic Electrification CODE
Modelling retrofits only on costs that directly impact the consumer: upfront cost of equipment, energy costs and maintenance costs.
The Warm Homes Plan details released
What's new and what is not, with industry reactions.
Could AI and VR cause an increase the value of heritage?
The Orange book: 2026 Amendment 4 to BS 7671:2018
ECA welcomes IET and BSI content sign off.
How neural technologies could transform the design future
Enhancing legacy parametric engines, offering novel ways to explore solutions and generate geometry.
Key AI related terms to be aware of
With explanations from the UK government and other bodies.
From QS to further education teacher
Applying real world skills with the next generation.