The Omniturm, Frankfurt/ Main | Germany

The Omniturm (the “Omni-tower”), located in the heart of Frankfurt am Main, has become the first mixed-use tower block in Germany. Its design was commissioned by the US real estate company, Tishman Speyer, from the Danish star architect, Bjarke Ingels, who beat the competition in an international design contest. The project was realised together with the German Bollinger Grohmann engineering office. This slim tower rises 190 metres, or 45 storeys, into the sky above Frankfurt over its Neue Mainzer Straße / Große Gallusstraße crossroads.

The ground floor and first floor incorporate various public areas. They have considerably higher ceiling heights than the other floors and accommodate some modern co-working areas, a cafeteria and an events hall. The foyer exudes a cool elegance. Oak parquet flooring, grey Terrazzo wall coverings, shiny metal surfaces and a black ceiling of back-lit perforated sheeting give it a contemporary look that is quite beyond any habitual flashiness. A simple façade of steel and glass rises above its base. Almost four fifths of the building are occupied with office space. That is around 44,200 square metres. The US Morgan Stanley bank is the largest tenant. Open floor plans allow a great deal of freedom and individuality in the use of the areas. Between the 15th and the 22nd floor, however, the tower makes a departure from its usual, rational floor scheme. Instead, spiral-shaped tiers, displaced by up to four metres with respect to its basic structure, provide a dynamic “hip swing”.

And this is where 147 luxurious residential units are laid out in an area of almost 8,200 square metres. Some of them have wide terraces in consequence of the staggered floor levels. These establish a completely new element in the skyline of this banking metropolis by creating spectacular outdoor spaces at a height of 100 metres from the ground. Inside, the shift of the static framework in the residential levels makes an impressive display, with its solid, slanted concrete columns creating an urban, constructivist vibe. Switches and sockets from the JUNG LS 990 range in white are part of the high-quality basic design of its spaces. Their precise, simple and timelessly modern design supports the appeal of the architecture. At the same time, their designs form a neutral backdrop for a whole range of different tastes and lifestyles.