Philosophers Residence

The land on which the residence is built has a rich history that is directly related to philosophy. Both buildings are named after famous German philosophers – J.G.Hamann and J.G.Herder – and not without reason. Both of these Renaissance philosophers have lived here with a few years’ difference at the end of 18th century.

The main element of the lobby is its library – a 12-metre-high bookshelf, accented by huge “book pages” which hide the countless bookshelves of the residents’ communal library. The room is furnished with a variety of lounge furniture to encourage its use as a reading space or area for holding brief meetings. The concierge’s counter is made of wood playing on the theme of bookcase design. Light coloured finishing gives a sense of endlessness to the already huge space and accentuates the bookshelf. The second floor of the shelf’s construction is made of glass so that the giant book’s opening does not steal the space effect. The view out towards the Philosophers’ Alley with its centuries-old maples opens through the glass walls, giving extra effect to the three-storied lobby space.