Brick & Basin launched in early 2024 as a small editorial project with a simple premise: Hamburg deserves better architectural writing. The city builds constantly -- HafenCity alone has consumed billions in investment over two decades -- yet serious, sustained criticism of what gets built (and what gets demolished) remains rare in the German-language press, and almost nonexistent in English.
What We Cover
Our focus is the built environment of Hamburg and the wider metropolitan region. That includes new construction, heritage preservation, infrastructure, landscape architecture, housing policy and urban design. We are particularly interested in the relationship between the city and its water -- the Elbe, the Alster, the Fleete, and the harbour basin network that gives Hamburg its physical character.
We publish long-form essays, reportage and photographic documentation. We do not publish rankings, listicles or sponsored content. Every article is written, fact-checked and edited by our contributors.
Who We Are
Our contributors are practising architects, urban planners, landscape designers and architectural historians based in Hamburg and northern Germany. Most hold day jobs at studios or universities; they write for Brick & Basin because they care about the public conversation around the places we all inhabit.
The project is editorially independent. We accept no advertising, sponsorship or payment from developers, architectural practices or municipal bodies. Operating costs are covered by the contributors themselves.
Editorial Standards
We strive for accuracy and fairness. When we criticise a building or a planning decision, we try to represent the intent of the architects and commissioners honestly before explaining where we believe they fell short. We correct errors promptly and transparently.
If you believe we have made a factual error, please write to us at editors@brickandbasin.de. We take corrections seriously.