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
Read about RSHP's British Museum extension which has been shortlisted for the 2017 Stirling Prize.
Read our introductory article to building a house extension.
More updates from DCMS about the large-scale testing of cladding systems and the number of buildings affected.
UandI secure resolution to grant planning consent for major new regeneration project.
Infrastructure and the historic environment
IHBC article considers how heritage is dealt with when infrastructure schemes are authorised.
It was the tallest structure in the world for 3,800 years, but to this day the exact construction techniques are a mystery.
Shortlist for the industry's most coveted award announced.
Government responds to Mark Farmer's review of industry, rejecting the call for a levy on clients.
Peter Hansford to examine what wider lessons can be learned from the fire.
Every project is subject to uncertainty. How can construction better understand uncertainty for performance improvement?
MAD Architects reveal their designs for a futuristic campus for electric car manufacturer.
Homebuyers could borrow more with better forecasting of energy bills, according to industry consortium's new report.
Read our introductory article on carbon capture and storage.
Grenfell Tower articles updated daily
