80 architects selected for the first phase of the ECB's architectural competition

The international architectural competition launched by the European Central Bank (ECB) in November 2002 (see Press Release of 26 November 2002) attracted applications from more than 300 architects in 31 countries and five continents. Of these, 80 were selected on the basis of the criteria laid down in the Competition Notice. The names of the architects are listed in an annex to this Press Release, and include 70 established architects and ten emerging young architects.

The ECB will now ask the selected applicants to submit a design proposal for the ECB's new premises, to be built on the site of the Grossmarkthalle (wholesale market) in Frankfurt am Main. The new premises will have to meet "the requirements of a modern central bank in the 21st century serving an enlarged euro area", as the ECB's President Willem F. Duisenberg states in the foreword to the Competition Brief to be given to the participating architects. "The design of our future premises should reflect the values we regard as essential to our activities. We are committed to transparency, integrity, excellence and efficiency."

The design proposals will need to reflect the site's history and fit into both the immediate vicinity and Frankfurt's overall urban layout. The Grossmarkthalle, built by the architect Martin Elsässer between 1926 and 1928, is classified as a historical building and will retain its fundamental appearance. There is an initial estimated need for 2,500 workplaces within the new development.

The proposals should also take into account the site's location between two major open spaces, key components of the city's development plan. The site lies adjacent to the green belt ("GrünGürtel") and is close to the River Main. The city's urban planners envisage extending the riverside park, accessible to the public on both banks of the river.

The deadline for the submission of design proposals is 7 July 2003. By mid-September 2003 the international jury, under the chairmanship of the ECB's Vice-President Lucas Papademos (see Press Release of 26 November 2002), will shortlist 12 candidates for the second phase. These architects will then be required to present detailed architectural designs for all buildings on the site. The jury is expected to choose the three winning designs by the end of February 2004. Detailed planning will start thereafter and construction is scheduled for 2005-2008.