Abstract

The Elbphilharmonie concert hall is a key part of the HafenCity development in Hamburg. Praised for its innovative architecture, the concert hall is built on top of an old warehouse and has become one of Hamburg’s landmarks. Its construction was plagued by cost overruns and delays before the concert hall was finally opened in 2017. The HafenCity was developed in an industrial area of the former free port of Hamburg as one of the biggest urban regeneration and renewal projects in Europe. In addition to the Elbphilharmonie, the development includes hotels, shops, and residential areas.