In 1991 Norman Foster began work on a master plan for the development of the Duisburg Inner Harbor. After the victory of his project at an international competition, the implementation of his urban planning ideas has been going on there for ten years.
The project of the complex of offices and premises for holding various conferences and conventions "Eurogate", developed by Foster's bureau, puts an end to this broad and complex program.
The new ensemble of crescent-shaped buildings will be located right next to the water, on the first line of the harbor development. Glazed courtyards dividing it into separate volumes will help to better illuminate and ventilate the interior space; from them will open views of the river.
Despite the curvilinear shape of the "shell" of the building, individual floors have rectangular ergonomic plans, which also makes construction easier and cheaper.
The orientation of the entire building to the south will allow widespread use of photovoltaic cells: the electricity generated by the building is enough to supply 200 single-family houses.
A public space open to all will be created on the ground floor with cafes and shops, a promenade and steps leading to the water.
The useful area of the ten-storey building will be more than 40,000 square meters. m, and the cost is 80 million euros.
