If some say the world will end in fire, Herzog and De Meuron say it will flourish in ice, starting with the Elbe Philharmonic Hall in Hamburg, Germany. This Siberian-esque superstructure, constructed of glassy arctic waves and anchored by brick, is Herzog and De Meuron’s latest design, in conjunction with Höhler and Werner Kallmorgen.
Not only will it be the icy domain of two concert halls, the Elbe Philharmonic Hall will also house a 5 star hotel and apartments. By the time this building is completed, I wouldn’t be surprised if another ice-age does befall us.
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Arctic Architecture
- Exploring designs that incorporate icy elements and structures similar to Herzog & De Meuron's Elbe Philharmonic Hall.
- Multi-functional Superstructures
- Creating buildings that serve more than one purpose such as a hotel, apartments, and concert halls within the same structure.
- Environmental Design
- Developing structures that incorporate environmentally friendly features such as energy-efficient materials and renewable energy sources.
Where This Applies
- Architecture
- Opportunities for architects to experiment with alternative designs and incorporate icy elements into their projects.
- Hospitality
- Innovating by creating hotels that are not only luxurious but also serve as a multi-functional space for concerts and living spaces.
- Renewable Energy
- The building of superstructures provides an opportunity to incorporate renewable energy solutions, such as solar panels, to make buildings more environmentally friendly.
