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Hamburg's green bunker wins MIPIM Award
One of the most prestigious prizes in the real estate industry, this year's MIPIM Award went to Hamburg's Bunker St. Pauli to honor its its spectacular transformation – setting an example for sustainable urban development.
A WWII-era flak tower as a green oasis in central Hamburg – this vision became a reality when the "Green Bunker" in St. Pauli became a showcase for sustainable urban development. The ambitious project has been awarded the prestigious MIPIM Award 2025 in the "Best Conversion" category at the international real estate trade fair MIPIM in Cannes.
As the world's most prestigious real estate trade fair, MIPIM honors outstanding architectural projects every year. The Bunker St. Pauli's transformation impressed the jury: where gray concrete once dominated, over 4,700 plants now grow on a green roof garden with public access. The building also houses the , restaurants and cultural facilities.
From anti-aircraft fortress to architectural icon
The origins of the building lie in the darkest phase of German history: in 1942/43, the Nazi regime erected the bunker on Heiligengeistfeld as an air raid shelter and indestructable anti-aircraft battery. For decades, the gray concrete block dominated the cityscape until 2013, when a vision emerged to transform it into a symbol of sustainability. Hamburg urban planner Mathias Müller-Using came up with the idea of adding several stories and planting lush greenery. The project was gradually implemented in phases and, with its completion last year, instantly became one of Hamburg's most spectacular landmarks.
With five new floors, the tower's height is now 58 meters, and offers some much-needed greenery in the concrete jungle. In addition, its trees, shrubs and wildflowers create a microclimate that helps to improve air quality. A 550-meter-long "mountain path" leads visitors to the top of the building and grants a great view of Germany's second city.
Urban community center
In addition to its spectacular greenery, the bunker is characterized by a versatile usage concept. The Reverb by Hard Rock Hotel boasts 134 rooms, restaurants like La Sala and event spaces, making it a popular hangout for locals and tourists alike. Particularly impressive: the historic structures of the bunker remain recognizable, with the modern elements and sustainability aspects seamlessly integrated.
The MIPIM Awards 2025
The MIPIM Awards are one of the most important awards in the real estate industry and honor outstanding architectural projects every year. In addition to the Bunker St. Pauli, the following projects were honored in 2025:
- Best Cultural, Sports & Education Project: Håndværkskollegiet - The Crafts College (Horsens, Denmark)
- Best Hospitality, Tourism & Leisure Project: Sky Mirrors (Luzhou, China)
- Best Industrial & Logistics Project: Wildflower Film Studios (New York City, USA)
- Best Mixed-Use Project: Wonderwoods (Utrecht, Netherlands)
- Best Residential Project: The Beehive (Hamburg, Germany)
- Best Urban Regeneration Project: Fuzja (Fusion) (Łódź, Poland)
- Best Workplace Experience: Booking.com City Campus (Amsterdam, Netherlands)
- Best New Development: The Hive (Amsterdam, Netherlands)
- Best New Mega Development: Entrecampos (Lisbon, Portugal)
- Special Jury Award: Fuzja (Fusion) (Łódź, Poland)
