Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research

The building site is situated in a development area by the river. The development respects its proximity to the old town centre and yet at the same time creates an authentic and modern expression towards the river and the green area to the north. The location is characterized by a structure of right angles to the river, rather similar to the ancient Hanseatic warehouses with their characteristic gables.

The institute compares to two parallel ‘warehouses’ creating a space between them. The buildings are covered with a bright, nordic sandstone. Natural light cuts through the building volumes and into their internal court yard. The central room has light, transparent facades facing both the city and the river.

The staggered gables form a characteristic profile towards the river, and together with the open central room they express the active meeting points of the building. The offices offer of a more rational, clear-cut expression.

The three conference rooms placed in a separate volume suspended into the large central room add an architectural accent - an urban focus point on the river bank.

Max Planck Gesellschaft zur Förderung der Wissenschaften e.V.