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architect, Berlin |
© photo: Lorenz Cugini
The architectural practice JÜRGEN MAYER H. was founded in Berlin in 1996 by Jürgen Mayer H. and specialises on projects operating at the threshold of architecture, communication and new technologies. Jürgen Mayer H.'s interest lies in creating spaces, from installations to exhibition design, from urban designs to landscape architecture. Together with his team, he develops and realises projects in which a multidisciplinary exploration of space as relating to the body, nature and technology finds its expression. Important aspects of their work are the use of intelligent technologies, interactive media and the exploration of new and responsive materials.
Current projects are the office complex Cicha Street in Warsaw (2007-2009), the office building S11 in Hamburg (2006-2008) or the Danfoss Universe, a food factory and curiosity centre in Nordborg, Denmark (2005-2006). His most important works without doubt include the new cafeteria of the University of Karlsruhe (2006) and the Metropol Parasol – the redesign of Plaza de la Encarnacion in Sevilla. The town of Sevilla called for tenders in an urban design competition: a new market hall was to be created, allowing the historical excavations of important remains of a Roman colony to be on view while giving renewed life and vitality to the Plaza de la Encarnacion. The Metropol Parasol project stretches over four levels; an open museum will offer viewpoints onto the archeological findings thanks to glass elements set into the floor of the new market hall. On top, on a raised plaza, an event space will be shielded from the sun by the umbrellas of the mushroom-shaped parasols. At the very top, nestled in the open umbrellas, at the height of the surrounding rooftops, a café and a panorama walk are planned, from which to admire Sevilla’s old town. With his mushroom-style Metropol Parasol, home to restaurants and shops, Jürgen Mayer H. is turning the Plaza de la Encarnacion into a tourist attraction. This exceptional building gives Sevilla a new landmark right in the middle of the medieval old town. Construction is planned to be completed in early 2009. Once again, this project gives expression to the architect’s exceptionally sensitive and poetic handling of space and materials. His designs always display a clear, strong character and fit smoothly into the existing landscape, without appearing "garish".
Jürgen Mayer H. studied architecture at Stuttgart University, at the Cooper Union in New York and at Princeton University in New Jersey. His work has received numerous accolades, amongst others the 2003 Mies van der Rohe Award for young architects for his townhouse in Ostfildern’s Scharnhauser Park (2002); the Contractworld Award in 2003 (for Stylepark Lounge) and 2004 (for Pixy); and the Holcim Award 2005 Bronze Europe for Sustainable Building for Metropol Parasol. His projects have been featured in many publications, exhibited worldwide, and have found their way into renowned collections including the Museum of Modern Art New York, the Museum of Modern Art San Francisco and the Staatliche Museen zu Berlin.
Jürgen Mayer H. has taught amongst others at the Graduate School of Design at Harvard University, at the Architectural Association School in London and at Columbia University in New York. In the summer of 2006, he lectured at Metropolis in Barcelona, and in the spring of 2008, he will act as a guest lecturer at the University of Toronto.
Stand: 27.5.2008