Hamburg is the second biggest city of Germany. Situated in the very north Hamburgs’ prosperity is based on its harbour (after Rotterdam the most important harbour of Europe) and trade. Furthermore the city has a reputation in the world of media and advertising. Economical aspects are also influencing the appearance of the city and its architecture. The “ Speicherstadt” with its old brick warehouses and its system of canals represent the early importance of Hamburg within an international trade network. The Chilehaus by architect Fritz Höger from 1924 is considered a masterpiece of architecture for its refined brick works and at the same time an early example of a large scale office building. In the ‘50ies and ‘60ties Architect Werner Kallmorgen helped shaping the silhouette of the city with his office buildings for newspapers and publishers.

The important recent urban developments and architectural highlights are to be found along the river Elbe, the economic heart of the city. Among them the “Hafencity” is the most ambitious project. Near the existing city centre, in continuation to the historic “ Speicherstadt” large areas of the former harbours are re-developed in order to create residential buildings and work spaces on the waterfront. Another recent plan is the “ Perlenkette” (”chain of pearls”), a long row of architectural projects on a undeep stroke of land directly situated on the river. But also the many inner-city projects by international and local architects deserve attention. The conversion of old factories and industrial sites (see Altona and Falkenried) as well as residential developments such as the plan by Atelier 5, not far from the Alster, the big lake in the centre of Hamburg.

We invite you to get to know Hamburg, as a city and from an architectural and urban planning point of view: ArchEX organises custom made architecture tours for groups in Hamburg. For more information and a free offer, please contact us.