The skyscraper, designed by Hans Kollhoff between 1998 and 2000, is situated in the north corner of the Daimler-Chrysler lot. It creates, together with the Sony tower and the Renzo Piano offices tower, the entrance to the Potsdamer Platz.
This building is noticed by its dark red covering in klinker, and through the regular apertures – good proportionated and organized with rythm.
Materials and compositive elements give to this tower a big difference with the glass tower of the Sony. The ground floor is covered by a grey-green granite.
Hand Kollhoff made his tower grow up through steps. At 88 meters we can find a panoramic terrace, open to anyone.
The choice of the materials, the system of steps, and the details of the facade remind the architecture of the United States of America in the 1930’s and the 1940’s.
by Jean-Baptiste Hurstel
Credit Photo: kruemelente.com
Architexts Association 