Thünen Institute, Bremerhaven

In an attractive waterside location at the fishing port in Bremerhaven, a new building has been constructed for the Thünen Institute’s studies in the fields of fishery ecology and sea fishing. The building provides modern, high-performance research facilities making it possible to conduct focused research and promoting communication among scientists from different disciplines.
The sculptural volume forms a distinctive highlight on the waterfront on its northern side. From a base storey accommodating storage for fishery equipment and large-scale apparatus as well as the aquaculture facility, the sculptural form of the institute rises up with setbacks of varying proportions and heights, housing workspaces for the researchers. A spacious terrace extends towards the water from the building’s base, framed by the conference area and the foyer on the first floor. Large expanses of glass mark out the semi-public and common areas for communication, conferences and the library. The building derives its architectural identity from the interplay between the sculptural form and the vast windows.

The light-coloured metal façade harmonises in its tonality with the low-lying white halls of the fishing port. A compact structure is thus created, which provides ample daylight for all work areas and laboratories along with direct views of the water and the institute’s own research vessels.