HOME, Mannheim
In March 2017, architectural practice MVRDV released plans for the revitalisation of a former US army barracks in the Franklin Mitte neighbourhood of Mannheim.
The 144-hectare site will offer a mixed-use development, including a central ‘hub’, a green hill made from demolished barrack buildings,shops, restaurants, cafes and community spaces.
Key to the design are four residential towers, the form of which will spell the word ‘H-O-M-E’. Around each building there will be a plaza in the shape of the projected shadow of the letter, its size determined by local regulations that call for a certain distance between neighbouring buildings.
The ‘O’ tower will be 12,380 sq. m and contain 120 apartments, while the ‘M’ tower will be 17,890 sq. m and contain 185 apartments, each with a 'pixel-type' appearance.
The towers will each have bright individual colours making them stand out in the landscape, and will be orientated around the hill with a rotation towards the ‘Vogelstang’ district and the highway making them readable from a distance.
The challenge facing MVRDV was to introduce density and diversity, drawing on the site’s existing fabric, while reusing and repurposing the original barracks to create a new community space.
Content and images courtesy of MVRDV.
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Retrofit 25 – What's Stopping Us?
Exhibition Opens at The Building Centre.
Types of work to existing buildings
A simple circular economy wiki breakdown with further links.
A threat to the creativity that makes London special.
How can digital twins boost profitability within construction?
The smart construction dashboard, as-built data and site changes forming an accurate digital twin.
Unlocking surplus public defence land and more to speed up the delivery of housing.
The Planning and Infrastructure bill oulined
With reactions from IHBC and others on its potential impacts.
Farnborough College Unveils its Half-house for Sustainable Construction Training.
Spring Statement 2025 with reactions from industry
Confirming previously announced funding, and welfare changes amid adjusted growth forecast.
Scottish Government responds to Grenfell report
As fund for unsafe cladding assessments is launched.
CLC and BSR process map for HRB approvals
One of the initial outputs of their weekly BSR meetings.
Architects Academy at an insulation manufacturing facility
Programme of technical engagement for aspiring designers.
Building Safety Levy technical consultation response
Details of the planned levy now due in 2026.
Great British Energy install solar on school and NHS sites
200 schools and 200 NHS sites to get solar systems, as first project of the newly formed government initiative.
600 million for 60,000 more skilled construction workers
Announced by Treasury ahead of the Spring Statement.
The restoration of the novelist’s birthplace in Eastwood.
Life Critical Fire Safety External Wall System LCFS EWS
Breaking down what is meant by this now often used term.
PAC report on the Remediation of Dangerous Cladding
Recommendations on workforce, transparency, support, insurance, funding, fraud and mismanagement.
New towns, expanded settlements and housing delivery
Modular inquiry asks if new towns and expanded settlements are an effective means of delivering housing.