An oversized greenhouse spans almost the entire site; only the Data HUB is designed as a separate polygonal solitaire, whose forest-like lift-power-station roof serves as a landmark from afar for the new kind of ensemble, which above all offers multi-use indoor roof-garden landscapes for the whole of Berlin. That you can and want to work optimally in this structure too seems to be a positive side effect!
In urban terms, the overall project is framed on the one hand by the Data HUB in the north-east of the site and on the other by the mobility-HUB bracket in the north, which frames the project along the entire main traffic axis “Am Juliusturm” as far as the south-western edge of the site near the Spree.
The mobility-HUB zone acts as a filter between inside and outside for the whole building, while also separating the different speeds: fast outside, slower inside, and in between the mobile storage for bikes, scooters, stairs, lifts and cloakrooms. This whole zone is visible from outside and so defines the look of this building of the future.
OPEN SPACE
Five bands with different themes bring the quarter to life around the clock and create added value for the neighbourhood and staff. The Hub creates a place that addresses every facet of a healthy life: fresh, healthy food, plenty of exercise in the fresh air, opportunities for socialising and quiet retreats.
In the FOOD-Lane farm to table is practised: two permaculture gardens and species-rich wild-herb meadows produce food that is processed and consumed on site, so that the energy used for packaging, storage and transport approaches zero. Local production is promoted, and the supermarket of the future is supplied with fresh, seasonal produce.
The ART-Lane offers space for events and art; staff and guests can meet here for meetings and workshops, and cultural offers and events encourage contact with the neighbourhood.
On the SPORTS-Lane staff can take a break and get physically active. The offer ranges from a playground to sports areas – a wide choice for ambitious, relaxed, young and older athletes.
The NATURE-Lane has a forest-like character and creates a haven of calm in the roof landscape, where the experience of nature comes first. A natural playground, loungers and hammocks invite you to relax. At night the area is used for camping, bringing even more life to it.
The PARK-Lane and the climate forest at the data centre forms the green frame around the intensively used centre. Intensity of use is reduced; the focus is on strolling through the park landscape and on the viewpoints over the city.
