Hamburg, Germany’s new planned EcoCity by TecArchitecture and Arup has received a lot of attention as of late… let’s take a look:


:: image via WAN

Wind turbines… check. Green roofs and walls… check. Water and futuristic, semi-biomorphic building forms… check. Reuse of structures… check… Multiple green rating systems… check! Looks like an eco-city…

Ok, I’m being coy, because I think the idea is interesting and it’s obviously a sales tool, but I always want to see the social side of the eco. Here’s some of the info via WAN: “Comprising ten major structures, ECO CITY offers a variety of different spaces for different purposes, bringing both large-scale industry and creative start-ups together in one, cooperative, and ecofriendly business community. The spaces range from studios to large warehouse and production facilities.”

:: image via WAN

So there is a glimmer of social equity with industry + startups… and all living in perfect (yet sort of sterile) harmony… any issues with this particular juxtaposition of old and new?

:: image via WAN

World Architecture News adds some details: “The majority of all visible roofs will be green roofs, serving to slow storm water runoff and significantly reducing the heat island effect of ECO CITY. Green areas will be elevated to the second story where there is more access to air and sunlight. In addition to roof gardens, more than half the site will be covered with vertical gardens, further minimizing the development’s carbon footprint and maximizing leisure space. These raised green beltways will create a microclimate of sorts, allowing workers and visitors ample outdoor recreation space.”

As always – nice form… now for the follow through. Read and see more at ArchDaily, and Treehugger.