Hamburg 2016 - Unilever Headquarter and Marco Polo Tower

Besides the Elbphilharmonie which because of its sheer size and architectural presence dominates the Hafencity landscape - there are also other notable modern buildings in the project. One cluster of buildings stand out with their strong architectural forms. The Unilever Building and the Marco Polo Tower are by Behnisch Architekten - an architectural practice based in Stuttgart. The founder is Stefan Behnisch - son of another prominent German architect Gunther Behnisch.

The Unilever Headquarter is a low-rise office complex clad entirely in a plastic film which protects the building from strong winds serves as a natural light and thermal filter. With its many environmental design elements, this is one of the greenest office buildings in Europe. 

The Marco Polo Tower is an impresive sculptural building with curved and twisted facades which allow the spaces inside to face the views. The luxury apartment building contains units ranging from 60 to over 300 square metres.

Outside the Marco Polo Tower is the Marco Polo Terrace - an open space designed by Miralles Tagliabue from Spain - in their typical complex geometries and innovative expressions using common materials such as bricks and concrete. The small F&B pavilion with soaring roofs is also by the firm.