Hamburg

Since the days of the Hanseatic League, Hamburg has been one of the most important commercial centers in Germany. Its long history of international trade has imbued its architectural legacy with a rich variety of influences. However, lest you think it is resting on its laurels, Hamburg continues to be the site of architectural innovation. In particular, the HafenCity project to redevelop the old harbor is one of the most creative and unusual urban regeneration projects in Germany today. Hamburg today is the site of innovative projects by leading architectures such as Herzog & de Meuron, Richard Meier, and Alsop Architects. This compact yet authoritative guide profiles the best of the recent crop of Hamburg's new buildings as well as previewing those still in the design and planning stage.