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The integration of diverse architectural styles, innovative design concepts, and sustainable practices positions Westfield Hamburg-Überseequartier as a pioneering example of contemporary urban architecture, where tradition meets modernity, and function meets form. With its rich array of offerings, this destination is set to redefine how we experience urban spaces in Hamburg and beyond.
Hamburg’s new waterfront destination
Westfield Hamburg-Überseequartier has officially opened its doors, revealing an ambitious mixed-use destination that stands as a testament to innovative design and urban regeneration. Designed in harmony with Hamburg's Elbe river, this waterfront destination embodies a synergy between modern architecture and the city's historical character, redefining the urban landscape of HafenCity for locals and visitors.
With a total area of 419,000 sqm, the development combines 13 buildings across an area of 67,000 sqm – or around 10 football pitches. Work commenced in 2017, with the foundation stone laid in 2019. A consortium of 14 renowned architects and interior design firms led by URW’s Concept Studio worked on the project, with the shared aim of creating a focal point of contemporary urban living for the city. The result is a vibrant, cosmopolitan space that brings together all aspects of modern life, from retail, dining and entertainment to office spaces, culture, leisure and apartments.
An iconic design that commands attention
The new development was designed as a vibrant inner-city district, an open, flowing space with multiple entrances leading to a network of interconnected pedestrianised streets. Stuttgart architecture firm Lederer Ragnarsdóttir Oei designed The Yard, one of the main retail and office buildings, taking inspiration from the Doge's Palace in Venice. This created a space that blends the contemporary with the past, featuring archways and a striking façade of red brick that overlooks the Elbe river, reinterpreting Hamburg’s historic Kontorhäuser architecture. As visitors approach, by land or water, the monumental design of the building commands attention, instantly becoming a recognisable landmark of the HafenCity district.
The Luv & Lee buildings offer dynamic, vibrant and flexible office environments flanked by fully transparent facades. Designed to drive collective intelligence, creativity and collaboration, they feature large garden terraces and patios, public spaces, restaurants and bars. Atop Lee’s tower, a Sky restaurant and bar affords 360° views across the city and the Elbe. These two blocks will be joined by the Skysegel building, designed by architect Christian de Portzamparc and due to offer 16 storeys of collaborative workstations, flexible spaces and terraces.
Cosmopolitan, multi-faceted and, above all, surprisingly different
At the heart of this architectural feat is the shopping centre's glass roof, created by Sobek Design from Stuttgart. The elegant structure, reminiscent of an undulating net, connects the surrounding buildings while providing shelter from the elements, ensuring shoppers can traverse the space comfortably and meet up socially, rain or shine.The district’s interior design, orchestrated by Saguez & Partners and URW’s Concept Studio, also emphasizes a seamless flow between aesthetics and functionality, tradition and inspiration, creating a continuity and a holistic experience: a contemporary meeting place that brings elegance and the extraordinary into the everyday – so visitors can “feel HafenCity”. The overall effect creates a warm, inviting atmosphere, mixing metal, glass and brickwork creating a dialogue between the dockyard’s historic past and its new, contemporary identity.
Championing urban regeneration
Underpinning every aspect of the project's design and construction was a shared commitment to sustainability. All buildings have been certified using the BREEAM methodology, which assesses the environmental and social sustainability of constructions, and were awarded "Excellent" status, while the entire quarter has been awarded the “BREEAM Communities” certificate, also with an “Excellent” rating, making it the first urban district in Germany to receive this accreditation. In addition, three office blocks have received a Gold Award by the German Sustainable Building Council.
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