HWKN Architecture

HWKN Architecture

Short description

HWKN is a global architecture innovation firm led by German architect, Matthias Hollwich. Founded in 2008 and based in New York City, the firm is known for its projects that range from a striking new building addition that welcomes all to the Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance to the Pennovation Center at the University of Pennsylvania, designed to be a tech incubator.

The firm’s other notable projects include: 25 Kent an office building in New York, exploring a combination of utilizable interior and exterior space previously unseen in the city; and a 40-story residential tower 351 Marin in nearby Jersey City, the first HWKN design to fully realize the social possibilities of expanding a building’s base. In Germany, the opening of Die Macherei is imminent with offices and a hotel, and 5 SPIRIT office buildings are in the making. HWKN's Berlin exhibition, Shape Tomorrow, explored the interaction between people and buildings through nine towers that were installed in the space to symbolize the firm's formal and programmatic approach.

Through collaboration with clients and partnering with cities and developers, HWKN creates a project vision for development sites, enhances user experience, and improves balance sheets by leveraging creative intelligence in the planning process. Buildings are a core component to vibrant, prosperous and exciting cities. HWKN’s strategic designs anticipate future needs and the need for greater transformation across functions by developing projects with more value, longevity and sustainability.

HWKN challenges the status quo while benchmarking against standards, resulting in buildings that perform like machines, while evoking emotions and social connections. The main goal is always to create a space for communal experiences and activities that bring people together.