Columbiadamm, Berlin

Description

Sited directly opposite the famous Tempelhofer Airport by the architect Ernst Sagebiel, the architectural design of the new building references the materiality, colour and eaves height of the existing airport buildings. The commercial and residential components are connected by a continuous semi-basement. The one-storey transparent insertion on the first floor along with the very striking recess allows the large building to appear to float and be sculptural.

Statement of the jury

The materials, colour scheme and eave heights of this architecture intelligently reflect the nearby airport buildings. The two main structures were consolidated into a single complex via a ground floor, whereby interesting overhangs were created that endow the complex not only with a certain form of lightness, but also render it readily recognisable.