'labels 2', berlin by HHF architects
all photos by iwan baan


swiss HHF architects have sent in images of their project 'labels 2' taken by iwan baan
the fashion center labels berlin 2 is a concentration of showrooms for international
fashion brands in one building including public spaces such as an event hall, a restaurant
and a lounge at the top floor. the design strategy is based on the adjacent warehouse
building labels 1. the interior spaces of this historical building are strongly characterized
by the repetition of arched windows used in the facade. this motif became one of
the starting points for the design of the project.

the use of two differently cut sine curves generates a specific aesthetic for both the supporting
structure and in a modified form with the sine waves for the façade. the result is that the structure
and rhythm establish the formative motif for the perception of the new building and link it to
the existing neighborhood.

connected by a heat exchanging device, the whole concrete structure of the building is permeated
with water tubes and used as a radiator for heating as well as for cooling. the energy consumption
for heating and cooling of labels 2 berlin is reduced by 40% due to this combined technique
of activating the building mass and using water from the spree river. HHF architects won
the international competition among selected architects in september 2007. the building opened
in spring 2010.

project info:

project: HHF architects 
programme: fashion center 
material: concrete 
competition and construction: 2007, 1st prize, 2007 – 2010
building footprint area: 1'537 m2 
gross floor area: 8'191 m2  useable floor area: 6'630 m2 
building volume: 32'930 m3 
client: labels projektmanagement gmbh & co. kg 
location: osthafen, berlin 
photos: iwan baan