projects | Viabizzuno progettiamo la luce

this industrial building of historical value situated on 1a-1b lohseplatz, at number 4 steinschanze, was built between 1902 and 1906 and is now the last remaining evidence of the huge gummi-kamm-co complex in hamburg, formerly located in 1842 in the speicherstadt south-east area of the city. its proximity to the historic speicherstadt and central position in the developing district of hafencity combine to make the building an important element connecting the historic properties and those of more recent construction. the scheme to convert the building into a multi-functional centre for cultural, commercial, public and private use was based on the conservation of the building fabric, which is unique of its kind. inside, the porsche ‘prototyp' houses an exhibition of historic racing cars, areas dedicated to catering, offices and design studios. following the damage suffered during the war, parts of the façade have been carefully rebuilt and restored, while the original roof, which was completely destroyed, would deliberately be replaced with a new, more magnificent structure, visible from a distance. the architectural scheme for the upper floor is based on the principle of conserving the original fabric and introducing shapes that assert themselves in the space. the juxtaposition of two architectural styles has produced a vibrant rapport, which reinforces the characteristics of both parts of the building, solid sturdy fabric and dynamic, expressive element. the new independent element converses with its historic foundations. the crystalline element extends southwards, with a platform that is securely anchored to the northern tower. the corrugated element, which follows the course of the existing or reconstructed front towers, adapts itself to the original structure at first and then reaches the peak of magnificence with its southwards projection. so the building will become a landmark in hamburg's cultural landscape, offering a higher standard of accommodation and a highly emotive experience. the opening of the remarkable motor museum took place on saturday 12 april 2008 with a huge display of rare exhibits by the clients oliver schmidt and thomas könig of porsche prototyp gmbh.