Sustainable Skyscraper in the European City: The Case of the European Central Bank in Frankfurt Am Main

Abstract

The aim of the work is to present one of the most important structures of the last decade -the European Central Bank in Frankfurt am Main, against the background of the role which a sustainable skyscraper can play in the urban composition of a modern city. A literature query and original in situ research show that from the beginning of the 20th century, skyscrapers have become a symbol of the success and importance of cities and metropolises. At the same time, most of the historic skylines of European cities were saved from 'Manhattanization'. One of the exceptions is Frankfurt, the financial capital of the EU. This paper discusses the construction of the ECB building, both as another important landmark in the city's urban composition and as an innovative, sustainable structure. The results show that the location of an important high-rise building with a prestigious function in the urban structure confirms the city's status. At the same time, it was proved that the technological and formal solutions used in the complex, together with the reuse of the built structure (recycling of architecture), may contribute to the reduction of the carbon footprint and maintaining high environmental standards.