As the Industrial Revolution reached Germany in the mid-19th century, urban centers began building central waterworks. Usage increased and water towers followed to maintain water pressure throughout the system. Water towers symbolized progress, and as highly visible landmarks—frequently built on hilltops because they were gravity powered—they were often designed as architectural icons. The wasserturm (water tower) in the Sternschanzen Park, a kilometer (0.62 mi) northwest of Hamburg’s city center, is a prime example. One of only three remaining in Hamburg, which once had 43, this water tower—an octagonal brick edifice 60 meters (197 ft) tall and 25 meters (82 ft) in diameter—was particularly handsome. The tower has been transformed into a 226-room hotel with an additional 1,681 sq m (18,094 sq ft) of commercial and restaurant space.

Developer
Patrizia Projektenwicklung GmbH
Augsburg, Germany

Initial Developer
Ernst Joachim Storr
Munich, Germany

Hotel Operator
Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts
Glattbrugg, Switzerland

Architect
Architekturbüro Falk von Tettenborn
Munich, Germany

Website
www.wasserturm-schanzenpark.de

Principal Author(s)
Theodore Thoerig

ULI Awards for Excellence 2008 Finalist