Together with RVI, a developer situated in Saarbrücken, MVRDV designs a building with a façade that mirrors the environment and draws attention to the town and its developments

Mirror Effect
The new mixed-use office building in the city of Esslingen marks the centre of this newly developed district, which will further accommodate a university, housing developments and retail stores. MVRDV's ambition is to generate a building that shows the city and at the same time, opens up to its surroundings to reveal its pride, history and future.

The façade traces the boundaries of Esslingen and the topography of its landscape, which is pushed in through a series of pixels that form an 'Esslinger Room'. A series of stairs, terraces, and platforms emerge and lead to the other side, reaching a viewpoint in the shape of the city centre for public use, where visitors can enjoy the views of the vineyards and surrounding hills.

The façade is designed as partially mirrored, with fritted glass containing PV cells that mirror the environment, the town, its hills and its people. It shows the pixelated map of the area of Esslingen and around. Each pixel carries different information, featuring the stories of the city and its inhabitants. With a smartphone app, one can discover its richness.

Mirror Effect

On the ground level, the crystal rock opens up to the public square in front, connecting the city with the building and providing public amenities including a restaurant, café and meeting areas, while the upper levels accommodate modern office spaces.

At night, the building becomes a beacon for Esslingen, illuminated through its façade, creating an extraordinary atmosphere.