British architect Norman Foster designed this tall, gray, triangular skyscraper as the central landmark for the noted German bank in Frankfurt. The tower has 53-stories with an overall height of about 259m (not including the antenna on top), making it the tallest building in Europe at the time of its completion in 1997.
The edifice was proclaimed as the first ecological high-rise, with a full-height central atrium that acts conceptually as a natural ventilation chimney. There are gardens located throughout the building that feature vegetation from around the world. Office workers benefit by having operable windows. Interior columns do not obstruct their precious views and spaces. It is an exemplary work of "green architecture" and is far from your average nondescript office block.
The attractive lobby on the main level features a cafe and an interesting selection of artworks and displays. It was amusing to see the sculpture of a fake window washer while an actual custodian was doing a spot of cleaning in the lobby. As befitting a major bank, there are also some ATM machines located here. Pick up a brochure at the lobby desk if you wish. Stare upwards and you will notice that there is basically one continuous light well above you.
For a structure of its considerable size and stature, Lord Foster's Commerzbank tower leaves a fairly quiet impression upon Frankfurt's "Manhattan" skyline. On a cloudy day, the gray tones of the building outline blend in with the skies above. At night, there is a feeling of light and transparency throughout the complex.