Daniel Libeskind – A virtuoso in architecture

For Libeskind, designing residential buildings is the highest form of architecture, and many of his residential projects reflect this concept. One of these is “Reflections at Keppel Bay” in Singapore, which consists of six high-rise blocks in the bay at the entrance to the historic harbour in Singapore, and which is regarded as one of the most impressive residential complexes worldwide. The apartment towers, which lean in towards each other, create the impression that they have been frozen in the middle of a dance, while the glass structures reflect the light in order to offer their residents the optimum amount of sunlight. Unlike Libeskind’s museum buildings, everything about these apartment blocks is designed with their functional use in mind, offering tenants the best possible living conditions. 

Often, Libeskind’s buildings change the face of an entire urban district. This was the case not only in Singapore, but also in Düsseldorf, where he contributed to the creation of the “Kö-Bogen”, a building ensemble consisting of offices, shops and cafés and restaurants. Before the Second World War, the site designated for the project was densely built. After the buildings there were destroyed by bombing during the war, the area was turned into an important transport hub for the city. As the years went by, however, the site gradually fell into disuse. Daniel Libeskind contributed the designs for two buildings as part of the project: the “Haus Hofgarten” and “Haus Königsallee”, which were supplemented by buildings designed by other architects. Since 2013, his two wave-like structures have dominated the new centre of Düsseldorf. In 2014, this project to bring new life to the centre of the city won the prestigious MIPIM award in Cannes in the “Best Urban Regeneration Project” category.

Daniel Libeskind’s order books are always full. In August 2020, the city council in Munich agreed to the construction of a synagogue designed by Libeskind in the centre of the city. To date, it has not been possible to secure full financing for the project. However, the “Beth Shalom” Jewish community hopes to be able to procure the remaining funds needed. Libeskind also openly states that he would like to design more buildings in Poland. He speaks very fondly of his country of birth: “I’m a Polish citizen. I’m from Poland. I was born here, I was reared here. My culture is [...] Polish-Jewish culture. I was brought up on the music of Chopin; I was brought up on Moniuszko, on “Pan Tadeusz”, on Polish painting and Polish culture.”[10] Libeskind still speaks very good Polish, and can recite poems by Wisława Szymborska by heart. However, he prefers to give interviews in English. When asked about Poland, he says: “I loved working in Poland, a country which I think has untapped potential. After so many years of communism, a new architecture is needed in Poland, which meets modern expectations and trends. I’ve never forgotten that this is where I come from, and I hope that I will be given the opportunity to create a new building here.”[11]