Germany has a long history and a great many unique monuments of architecture and the GSW Building in Berlin is among those structures. Right in Kreuzberg, this lovely building has turned into a landmark of the city. Now let’s discuss about the unique features that make GSW Building standalone.
1. Design and Architecture
Built in 1999, the GSW Building also referred to as GSW Hochhaus or High-Rise was designed by architects, Sauerbruch Hutton. It is 78 meters high with 22 floors begins and impresses not only by the use of bright colors and curves.
The colours used on the exterior walls, indeed the whole envelope of the building, and listed as the administrative section is red, yellow, green blue etc give great aesthetic value as it contrasts other buildings. This concept of decoration is a modernist concept coined as the colourful post-modernism and the GSW Building boasts of it.
2. Sustainable Features
The choice of constructing the GSW Building is not only due to the fact that it is good looking but also has a number of sustainable design aspects have been applied. In the given points of view, it was innovative with a special emphasis on energy and the ecosystem.
The expansive areas of double glazed glass to walls provide enough natural lighting to the interior forms thus eliminating the use of artificial lighting during the day. Orientation of the building and shading helps in reducing hot summer period and at the same time enhances on the cold period of the year.
There is also provision of natural light and air as well as a green rooftop, an added plus in its attempts to reduce its carbon footprint by embracing solar power. Further, GSW Building has adopted rain water harvesting and use it for irrigational purposes in the building landscape hence reasonable use of water.
3. Mixed-Use Functionality
Altogether, the facility should be considered as the building with the mixed profile of usage, where both the residential and the more commercial sectors are used. It hosts a combination of offices, residential apartments, a parking garage, and a restaurant.
The first floor of the building is set apart for business purposes and contains numbers of shops and commercial offices. The upper tiers include about 200 units of residential homes and offices some of which afford the residents with stunning views over the city skyline.
As you will observe, occupying both the residential and commercial spaces in the GSW Building also holds efficiency and a busy street culture in its design and operation.
4. Cultural Significance
In addition to esthetic value and monumental beauty, the GSW Building has also acquired a cultural function in Berlin. He himself now recognizes it as one of the true landmarks of the city which tourists and locals enjoy a sightseeing greatly.
The location of the building is also in Kreuzberg, a multicultural neighborhood, which also makes the building all the more attractive. Kreuzberg is depicted as an artcentral with focus on other subculture values and amazing views of the canals and thus the GSW Building.
5. Public Access and Art Installations
The GSW Building remains open to the public, for example, and even provides sites for artwork, making the experience even more dynamic.
Some other work of art that is related to the building include the ‘Travertine Triangle’, by Katharina Grosse. On three unenthusiastic buildings he took a paintbrush and gave life to uninteresting walls and turned them into paintings.
There are plenty of opportunities for walking around the building, enjoying the sculptures and taking great photos of the architectural piece.
Conclusion
The GSW Building in Berlin, German is a perfect example of new generation building characterized by innovation in design, sustainability, and usability as a commercial and social hub, historic monument, and open public space. Through the use of colors, efficiency and variety of tenants, this giant commercial building has become a special part of Johannesburg.
In this case, you are advised to take the chance and appreciate the sight of the GSW Building if you are in Berlin.
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