MVRDV has unveiled plans for a 12-storey mixed-use office building named “The Milestone”. Located in Esslingen in South Germany, the building displays a significant interactive façade with a segregated facade where each segregation is a reflecting surface, which is inspired by the rocky topography of the city.
Neighboring the city’s main railway station, the building is expected to be constructed by 2020.
Courtesy of MVRDV
MVRDV Cofounder Winy Maas says, “‘This building shows Esslingen to people all who pass by on trains and will become a new symbol to reflect its past heritage and future.”
Courtesy of MVRDV
Interestingly, this exterior is not only inspired by rock formations but also by pixels. Forming a pixelated map, the facade is expected to incorporate QR codes that display the visitors’ information about the city’s history and its people. The material used for this elevation is fritted glass which decreases overheating.
“Each pixel carries different information, featuring the stories of the city and its inhabitants. Accompanied by a smartphone app one can discover its richness, creating the public library of the town,” MVRDV explained on their website.
See more: MVRDV Wins Competition to Design Mixed-Use Tower in Moscow
Courtesy of MVRDV
Additionally, this multifunctional exterior layer incorporates photovoltaic cells which are used to generate energy for the offices that occupy the upper levels.
Spanning an area of 6,500 square meters, the office’s ground floor greatly serves the public. A huge void in the building acts as a gateway for the pedestrians, creating a strong connection between the public and the building. This public space includes restaurants, a cafe, and meeting areas.
