Award-Winning Design: MSC’s Future German Headquarters in HafenCity

The future German headquarters of MSC – Mediterranean Shipping Company, designed by Metaform in collaboration with its German partner WLGW, has won first prize in a prestigious international architecture competition. Situated at the eastern edge of HafenCity, alongside the Ericusgraben canal and overlooking Lohsepark, the project embodies MSC’s forward-looking vision while celebrating the maritime heritage of Hamburg.

The design creates a subtle dialogue between local architectural tradition and contemporary expression. Drawing inspiration from the region’s historic arcades and the movement of water, the façade combines a modern sculptural language with strong contextual grounding. Its open and transparent design reflects MSC’s core values of openness, sustainability, and innovation, establishing the building as a landmark of responsible corporate architecture.

Designed as an agile, flexible, and human-centred workplace, the headquarters features light-filled collaborative spaces, an accessible rooftop garden, and publicly oriented amenities that strengthen the connection between the company and the city. These include a restaurant and a showroom opening onto the neighbourhood, making the building an integral part of HafenCity’s urban life.

With a strong commitment to sustainability, the project targets carbon neutrality and meets the highest environmental certification standards (DGNB Sonderauszeichnung Umweltzeichen, comparable to DGNB Platinum). Its low-emission concrete structure, recycled aluminium façades, and hybrid energy system, combining geothermal, solar, and industrial heat recovery, position the headquarters as a model of circular and sustainable architecture.

This award-winning project reinforces MSC’s leadership in HafenCity’s urban transformation and underscores the company’s dedication to visionary, sustainable, and locally rooted architecture.