For a long time, high-rise residential blocks in major cities had a bad reputation. They were associated with drab, prefabricated buildings – dreary blocks of flats that seemed to absorb all the sunlight. Today, however, many such high-rise blocks have become an integral part of certain cityscapes. Whilst high-rises exceeding 400 metres are not uncommon in the USA, skyscrapers in Germany tend to be kept on a smaller scale, reaching up to 250 metres. Whilst modern residential towers were once associated more with luxurious office environments, they are now increasingly home to flats and apartments. These no longer just offer wonderful views, but usually include further amenities such as on-site restaurants or a concierge service.
Residential and office towers in Germany
The property specialist Bulwiengensa has calculated that, by 2022, around 97 high-rise residential buildings are set to be built in major German cities, providing space for up to 18,400 flats. Most of these are planned for Berlin (27) and Frankfurt (24), closely followed by Munich (17) and Düsseldorf (12). Germany’s tallest residential tower is currently under construction in Frankfurt. The Grand Tower is due to be completed in mid-2019 and, standing 172 metres tall, will offer around 400 flats across 47 storeys.
However, these residential high-rises in major cities are only expected to go some way towards alleviating the ever-worsening housing shortage. They are, after all, essentially too expensive for the general public. Rather, they are intended to stand out clearly from conventional prefabricated blocks and enhance the city’s skyline. Glazed façades, elegant entrance halls and modern lift designs are just a few of the features of such a luxurious high-rise. The flats are usually also fitted with highlights such as real wood parquet flooring or marble-panelled bathrooms. There are also additional services: a caretaker is always on hand for minor and major repairs, and a receptionist takes care of residents’ other needs, such as organising various appointments.
The significance of a skyline for major cities
Even as far back as the Middle Ages, tall buildings served as a demonstration of power. Whilst cathedrals, for example, projected religious authority over the world, the buildings of wealthy patrician families reflected economic power. From the 19th century onwards, architects in a wide variety of cities around the world (primarily in the USA) engaged in veritable competitions regarding the height of their buildings. It was during this period that a fascination with tall buildings was kindled. Never before had people been closer to the sky, standing literally above it all. Anyone wishing to make their projects stand out and attract buyers had to aim for the heights. There was no place here for delicately designed wall decorations.
However, a single high-rise building is far from enough to make a skyline. It is only when there are several tall buildings that a city’s silhouette takes shape and is given an unmistakable form, so that the city can be recognised simply by its skyline. In Germany, the most famous skyline is probably that of Frankfurt. The tall office towers housing the banks paint a bustling picture of the city. The NEXTOWER in the Palais Quartier, for example, is one such modern office building. Centrally located amidst banks, the Alte Oper, the Römer and the ‘Zeil’, the skyscraper offers a fantastic view over the banks of the Main. You don’t have to rent an entire office on a long-term basis if you’d like to have a business address there. Providers such as COLLECTION Business Centre also offer the option of renting offices in Frankfurt on a daily or monthly basis. This means that freelancers, too, can enjoy attractive premises without having to disclose their home address or be physically present there all the time. It will be interesting to see how the skylines in major cities continue to develop and how they keep reshaping the individual cityscapes.
Cover image: ©Shutterstock/Sebastian Duda
