Germany
Skyline of the Week: Frankfurt
While other German cities push their architectural envelope into unusual small shapes, Frankfurt is the nation’s recognized leader in skyscrapers, with dozens over 30 stories residing in harmony with the city’s historic spires.
Glass Cones Mark What’s Down
A pair of tall glass cones form an atrium over a the Festhall/Messe subway station in Frankfurt. We’ve seen similar glass cones used in other places. For example, the entrance to the Japanese Nursing Association building in Tokyo.
City Scene: Rainy Day Cyclists
People in Berlin don’t let a little thing like rain stop them from cycling. When this photo was taken, it had been raining all day, but still there were hundreds of people riding their bikes around the city.
Westend Tower: A Famous Frankfurter
The skyscraper known as Westend Tower may not be Frankfurt’s tallest, but it is one of the city’s best known. It was among the first to use a decorative crown to set itself apart from others in a skyline, and has become a key to identifying Frankfurt for people around the world.
City Scene: Dom’s Domes
The domes of the Berlin Cathedral rise into a misty 6am sky. The grassy area it faces is a favorite hangout for latter-day punks, goths, larpers, and wannabe vampires late at night.
Making a Big Deal of Small Things
We spotted this in the window of the Jourdan & Müller architecture firm. It looks like its making a scale model of the entire city of Frankfurt. Very handy for skyscraper fans!
City Scene: Morning in Berlin
A misty morning makes Berlin’s landmarks stand out against the sky.