The Baakenhafen quarter in eastern HafenCity is an extremely exciting place of diversity and new ideas – both in terms of living and working. The "Creative Blocks" realised for the property developer Garbe are located between Versmannstrasse and the Versmannkai promenade, not far from the bridge to Baakenpark. The team at the KSP Engel architectural firm is responsible for the western construction site and defines the building complex as hybrid architecture. This responds to changing demands in the age of digitalisation and integrates different uses under one roof. Living, working and public uses, combined with services, come together and enable new forms of neighbourly coexistence. 

The Creative Blocks are an urban mix of around 180 subsidised rental flats and privately financed owner-occupied flats, as well as 15 workshops, studios and galleries ranging in size from 35 to 205 m². Under the umbrella of the Marketplace for Manufacturers, they provide space for creativity, encounters and lively work. The flexible rental period with weekly, monthly or annual rental contracts makes it easier for artists and craftspeople to get started and ensures a lively atmosphere thanks to the changing range of offerings – a concept unique to Hamburg and the heart of the project. Exhibition space, gastronomy and manufacturing are combined in an inspiring way. Here, products are individually manufactured, presented and sold on site. Large windows allow views from the outside and arouse curiosity. Guests can then experience everything with their senses, including an attractive range of food and drink. The official opening took place in September, and various formats and events have already taken place.

On the western part of the property, a "co-living concept" creates a special living space for people who value the privacy of their own flat but at the same time want to experience a diverse neighbourhood community. The residential floors offer special amenities for communal living, such as a yoga room, a music room and a library. These serve as places for exchange and dialogue. In addition, there is a large event room on the ground floor with a kitchen-diner for communal meals and special celebrations, further promoting communication and interaction. The northern part of the building wraps protectively around the open-plan flats facing the water. The combination of generous glazing towards the water and the more closed, light-coloured shell to the north gives KSP Engel's building design its characteristic appearance. In contrast to the light-coloured street façade with its precisely joined façade elements, dark colours dominate the view towards the water. Only at floor level is the façade structured by light-coloured horizontal bands. 

www.ksp-engel.com
www.marktplatz-der-manufakturen.com

Photography Credits:

Hiepler, Brunier, Berlin
www.hiepler-brunier.de

(Published in CUBE Hamburg 01|23)