“The situation in Jena is characterized by a modern city with large-volume structures that create a flowing urban landscape. In this context of ‘suprematist’ modernism, the new building has to assert itself as a standalone,” says Johannes Kister, explaining the design for the first high-rise in Jena after the German reunification.In addition to this independence as an architectural object, the ties and connections to the site are also crucial for the Leipzig team from the office kister scheithauer gross (ksg). The property is cut diagonally by a canal, to which the building responds. In addition, there are diagonal references to the natural spaces, be it the park or the view of Lobdeburg Castle with its mountain backdrop, to which ksg developed the building form. The unusual form and multi-part nature of the building also results from the dialogue between internal use and external conditions. Reinforced by its metal outer skin, an architecture is created that acts as a gateway marking the transition to the Lobeda East district. “Sloping metal surfaces also reflect the urban positioning in detail,” says Kister. “A tectonic structure becomes visible that makes uses legible – but does so within the design order of the overall sculpture.”

Due to the topography, the building is elevated and accessed via a pedestrian bridge, which further brings the park closer to the street. The first floor can be divided into large areas and accommodates other services, which can be accessed via the entrance hall or directly from the footbridge. The clinic’s administration begins on the 1st floor with a reception area that gives visitors a direct view into the atrium and the park. On the 6th to 8th floors are penthouse apartments with a total of 812 m² of living space and views over Lobdeburg Castle in all apartments.