Publications
CO2-neutrales Welterbe Speicherstadt Hamburg - Phase I - Umsetzung und Begleitung der Konzepterstellung und des Großdemonstrators im Rahmen der energie- und umweltgerechten Sanierung des Block H der Speicherstadt Hamburg (0-CO2-WSHH)
A groundbreaking study demonstrates that integrated, energy-efficient renovation strategies can significantly reduce carbon emissions and energy consumption in historic buildings while preserving their cultural heritage. The research, conducted on Block H of Hamburg's Speicherstadtshowed substantial potential for decarbonization through a combination of conservation-compatible interior insulation, locally sourced renewable energy systems (such as thermally and electrically activated rooftops), hybrid thermal storage solutions, and low-temperature heat distribution. Crucially, the study revealed that reliable performance assessments require systematic validation against real-world measurements and simulations, highlighting the importance of adaptive control strategies and flexible operational models. By leveraging digital tools like Building Information Modeling (BIM) coupled with energetic and fluid dynamic simulations, the project provides actionable insights for planning climate-neutral renovations in heritage districts, bridging research and practical application.
Revitalisation through culture on the example of Hamburg, Grudziądz and Bydgoszcz
Historic granary complexes, often located in prime urban areas but left to decay due to their lack of modern functionality, present unique challenges for revitalization. The Speicherstadt in Hamburg stands out as a successful model, transforming a former inner periphery into a vibrant center for creative and cultural activities through strategic urban planning and development, including the adjacent HafenCity project. This study extends the analysis to lesser-known complexes in Grudziądz and Bydgoszcz, Poland, which differ significantly in scale and age from Hamburg's. By employing source analysis, case studies, and field observations, the research investigates whether the solutions applied in Hamburg can be universally adapted to support social and cultural functions in other historic granary districts. The findings aim to provide insights into the potential for cultural revitalization as a sustainable approach to urban renewal.
Verbundvorhaben, Schlussbericht im Rahmen des 7. Energieforschungsprogramms der Bundesregierung "Gebäude und Quartiere"
Integrated energy renovation and supply strategies for heritage buildings can significantly reduce emissions, but their effectiveness depends on adaptive operational approaches. The 0-CO2-WSHH project demonstrated that combining denkmal-compliant insulation, renewable energy systems (e.g., thermally activated roofs), hybrid thermal storage, and low-temperature heat distribution in a UNESCO-listed warehouse block achieved substantial decarbonization—though real-world performance hinged on occupancy patterns and dynamic control. A digital BIM platform linked with simulations further optimized outcomes by bridging data gaps between modeling and reality. The study underscores the need for systematic validation of complex systems in heritage contexts, offering scalable methods to balance conservation, energy efficiency, and climate neutrality.
Verbundvorhaben: CO2-neutrales Welterbe Speicherstadt Hamburg - Phase I - Umsetzung und Begleitung der Konzepterstellung und des Großdemonstrators im Rahmen der energie- und umweltgerechten Sanierung des Block H der Speicherstadt Hamburg (0-CO2-WSHH)
Integrated energy-efficient renovation strategies for heritage sites can significantly reduce emissions and energy consumption, but their success depends on adaptive operational strategies and real-world validation. The project 'CO₂-neutrales Welterbe Speicherstadt Hamburg' demonstrated this by developing a holistic approach for the historic Block H in Hamburg's Speicherstadt, combining denkmal-compliant interior insulation, thermally/electrically activated roofs, hybrid thermal storage, and low-temperature heat distribution systems. Using a digital Building Information Model (BIM) coupled with simulation tools, researchers found that only systematic validation through measurement, simulation, and real operation yields reliable performance assessments. While the study identified substantial decarbonization potential, it also highlighted the critical role of occupancy patterns and dynamic control strategies in achieving energy savings.
Office Work: Architecture and Extraction Between Atacama and Hamburg
UNESCO World Heritage Site designation often highlights certain aspects of buildings while obscuring others, as demonstrated by the Chilehaus in Hamburg. This study reveals that the memorialization process overlooks critical historical and material connections between the building's rise as a symbol of intellectual office work and the industrialization of mining in Chile's Atacama Desert. By analyzing traces stored in the desert—a durable storage device due to its environmental conditions—the research reconstructs an alternative understanding of modernity, linking the Chilehaus's functional and aesthetic qualities to global extraction networks, histories of dispossession, and the planetary transformation driven by the fertilizer industry. The paper advocates for a politics of memorialization that questions the commemoration of isolated buildings and considers the broader scale of industrial capitalism's history.
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A critical review of Chilehaus: Atacama/Hamburg, an exhibition curated by Alfredo Thiermann, Pedro Correa, Ella Neumaier, and Xavier Nueno, reveals the architectural significance and cultural impact of the UNESCO-listed Speicherstadt and Kontorhaus District with Chilehaus. The exhibition, held at the Heritage Gallery in Santiago, Chile from September 27, 2024 to January 26, 2025, explores the intersection of modernist architecture, heritage conservation, and urban identity. Through a comparative analysis of Chilehaus's design in Hamburg and its counterparts in the Atacama region, the study highlights the enduring influence of expressionist architecture on global cultural landscapes. The research employs qualitative methods, including visual and textual analysis, to assess the exhibition's role in shaping public perception of architectural heritage.
An Imperial Adventus into a City of Warehouses: History, Modernity, and Urbanity in the Symbolic and Material Construction of Hamburg's Free Port
Hamburg's Speicherstadt, a commercial district devoid of inhabitants, was symbolically constructed as a 'city' during its 1888 opening ceremony featuring Kaiser Wilhelm II. This study reveals that the district's neo-Gothic architecture and imperial adventus were designed to evoke premodern urbanity, countering fears of working-class dominance. The research argues that the Speicherstadt served as a modern reimagining of Hamburg's historical urban trade privileges, symbolically rebuilding the city's walls. By analyzing material, political, and symbolic elements, the study demonstrates how late-nineteenth-century political imaginaries framed urbanization processes, offering insights into the intersection of history, modernity, and urbanity.
Der Salpeterkönig
A century ago, the Chilehaus in Hamburg's Kontorhaus District emerged as a landmark of brick expressionism, commissioned by the enigmatic 'Salpeterkönig' Henry B. Sloman. This iconic structure, celebrated for its architectural innovation and cultural significance, stands as a testament to the era's dynamic relationship between industry, commerce, and artistic expression. The article delves into the historical context and architectural brilliance of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering insights into its enduring legacy in the landscape of 20th-century urban development.
Integration verschiedener Simulationsmethoden zur energieeffizienten Sanierung am Beispiel eines Innenhofes im Welterbe Speicherstadt Hamburg
Researchers have identified that integrating multiple simulation methods can significantly enhance energy-efficient renovation strategies for historic buildings, particularly in the context of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The study, conducted as part of the 'CO2-neutrales Welterbe Speicherstadt Hamburg' project, demonstrates that combining thermal and energetic simulations with Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) offers a more comprehensive approach to assessing and optimizing building performance. By using IDA ICE for thermal building simulation and StarCCM+ for CFD, the team was able to evaluate various renovation options while adhering to strict preservation guidelines. The project also introduced an IFC-based dashboard within a BIM model to facilitate seamless information sharing among stakeholders, ensuring that insights from different simulations are effectively utilized. This approach not only improves the efficiency of renovations but also provides a scalable framework for future heritage conservation projects.
Sustainable development in listed districts: CO2 neutral World Heritage Speicherstadt Hamburg
A groundbreaking approach to achieving CO2-neutral historic districts is demonstrated through the 'CO2-neutrales Welterbe Speicherstadt Hamburg' project. This initiative successfully integrates renewable energy retrofitting with historic preservation, offering a scalable model for climate-neutral building stocks by 2045. The project combines practical and methodological strategies: it employs historically sensitive components for heat supply while leveraging Building Information Management (BIM) to centralize simulation models for thermal and ecological efficiency. This holistic method addresses the unique challenges of retrofitting listed buildings, providing a significant step toward decarbonizing heritage architecture.
Megfűszerezett élmények a hamburgi Spicy’s Gewürzmuseumban
A museum exhibition within the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Speicherstadt and Kontorhaus District in Hamburg serves as a case study for examining how spices are culturally represented as commodities across historical time. The analysis reveals that the Spicy’s Gewürzmuseum, housed in a repurposed industrial complex, uses gastronomic content tied to specific nations to explore ethno-identification while emphasizing cultural exchange. By mapping the museum's presentation of spices and related objects, this study provides insight into the socialization and institutionalization of culinary heritage. The research bridges historical interpretation with contemporary discourse on cultural heritage, offering a nuanced understanding of how gastronomic goods are framed in museum contexts.
Urban regeneration meets sustainability - HafenCity, Hamburg
HafenCity, Hamburg, stands as a pioneering model of urban regeneration that successfully integrates economic productivity, technological innovation, and environmental sustainability. As Europe's largest urban redevelopment project, it has transformed an underutilized waterfront into a thriving district housing 750 companies, including global leaders like Kühne & Nagel and Unilever, alongside 15,000 residents and up to 45,000 jobs. Unlike traditional megaprojects, HafenCity's approach emphasized complete site control, robust infrastructure financing, and a willingness to challenge conventional design norms. These strategies have positioned it as a benchmark for future urban regeneration initiatives, demonstrating how strategic planning can harmonize private market demands with sustainable development goals.
Nicht mehr als eine ferne Bekannte? Die koloniale Funktion der Speicherstadt (1880-2017)
Hamburg's Speicherstadt played a pivotal role in colonial globalisation from 1880 to 2017. This study reveals its deep colonial function as a hub for trade with colonial powers and goods, including human cargo, while also serving as a site of post-colonial memory. Through an analysis of institutions like the Hafen and Handelskammer, corporate entities such as the Woermann-Konzern, and cultural landmarks like the MARKK museum and Tierpark Hagenbeck, the research uncovers Hamburg's entangled history with colonialism. Biographical sketches further illustrate the impact of colonialism on the city and vice versa. The study employs a multi-faceted approach, combining archival research, spatial analysis, and historical narrative to shed light on this complex legacy.
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