Topotek 1’s landscape and open-space planning for the B:HUB building is a reflection of its setting. The new office and commercial building in Friedrichshain sits between the busy Ostkreuz train station and the banks of Lake Rummelsberg. Tracing the folded form of the architecture, a zig-zag pattern of white markings on black asphalt leads one from the street to the main entrances.

Deviations in the alignment of the façade create multiple terraces, balconies, and loggias, and allow for a variety of spatial depths that extend beyond the indoor spaces. The planting concept breaks the angular lines of the architecture. Gingko trees and high grass species create dense clusters of greenery around concrete paving. In contrast to the adjacent built urban forms, the vegetation blends into the background of the natural open spaces beyond.

Distinct objects arranged around the site are highlighted by pops of colour. Benches placed around the entrances take the materiality of the building façade. Clad in glazed ceramic tiles, the bright orange blocks jump into the foreground. Three parasols that stand at the lakeside of the building are also unmistakable in bright orange and red, but even more striking in scale – large enough to be recognised even when closed.