The Future Is Green—A Conversation Between Two German Architects in Sydney

Since the foundation of his practice Ingenhoven Architekten in 1985, Christoph Ingenhoven (born 1960, as the son of an architect) has been an advocate of sustainable design and low-energy architecture. He is considered Germany’s most successful architect of his generation and a leader in the application of sustainable design concepts using an ecological approach. Main themes that stand at the centre are future work environments, ecology, mobility, and urban landscapes. Conceptual strategies and realization of innovative solutions, an integrated approach, and dedication to optimize and implement it on all levels, is visible. It is obvious that Ingenhoven is influenced by the work of other modern German architects, such as Egon Eiermann, Frei Otto, Thomas Herzog, and Guenther Behnisch, people who understood so well the relationship and tension between architecture and engineering. Christoph Ingenhoven is involved in projects all over the world and is increasingly involved in the design of major buildings in Australia. After winning the design competition for a new high-rise tower in Sydney’s central business district in 2006, his new “Space” high-rise office tower (to be completed in 2011; ground breaking was in May 2009), and his recent involvement with the urban and architectural design of the Barangaroo waterfront development, brings him to Australia on a regular basis. The Australian city will gain a prominent addition to its skyline with this new (6-star Green Star rated) office tower on Bligh Street