Living in brick: The Baumeister in December 2023

At the end of the year, we turn our attention to new projects that have recently been built with bricks. We focus in particular on waterfront living, where exposed brickwork has always been a tradition. We also present award-winning architecture with this versatile façade material.

What a year. 2023 has confronted us with quite a few things. In global politics, but also in architecture. In these highly turbulent times, I am particularly pleased to be able to conclude the year with you, dear reader, with this issue of Baumeister. The editorial team and I were always on the lookout for the most exciting projects and stories that are truly relevant to our industry. In the process, we have all slipped into the effects of a construction crisis that is flanked by so many other challenges and, as I see it at least, we are trying to find ways out of this predicament as positively as possible. The latest figures from the Federal Statistical Office, which relate to the past quarter, offer further glimmers of hope. Residence is the magic word these days. The many complex developments will certainly not leave us in peace in 2024 either, so it is up to each and every one of us to do our modest part every day to contribute to a positive and sustainable future, isn’t it?

Now to this issue. Anyone who knows Baumeister knows how much we appreciate brickwork projects and how much we care about bricks – and especially the good old wall. In this issue, we focus on masonry architecture, preferably on the waterfront. When we talk about masonry projects, we very quickly refer to existing buildings. In this issue, we also take a look at solutions that have prevented the demolition of old existing buildings and given masonry a new lease of life. After all, preserving existing buildings is still the most sustainable of all options. We pick out some exciting German and European projects that are surprisingly down-to-earth and therefore particularly fresh. What do you think of the projects?

Speaking of down-to-earth – Signa Real Estate in particular would benefit from a little down-to-earthness. It has hit the headlines due to the halt in construction of the Elbtower in Hamburg. The Elbtower was designed by Chipperfield Architects and is currently suffering from the financial difficulties of the Signa holding company, which is owned by Austrian billionaire René Benko. However, apart from Hamburg’s HafenCity, northern Germany naturally has much more to offer than large signature projects. You can find real treasures here, especially when it comes to masonry architecture on the water. For this issue in particular, we have adopted this treasure-hunting mentality.

Even though the January 2024 issue will be officially published at the end of December 2023, I would like to take this opportunity to wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Especially in these difficult geopolitical times, I wish you a relaxing and peaceful holiday season with your loved ones. For many of us, family and friends are an integral part of stability in life, aren’t they? I believe that we can all do with a bit of stability from time to time. I can promise you this consistency insofar as we will of course be at your side every day in the coming year with the Baumeister, crisis or no crisis.

The magazine is available in the store.

In our November issue, we embarked on a very special journey in the footsteps of the famous Orient Express. Get your copy of B11 now here.