Helmut Jan

Background

Helmut Jahn is a modern American architect of German origin, head of the JAHN workshop.

Helmut is the author of well-known multifunctional complexes designed by order of large companies. Sony Center in Berlin (1996-2000) became one of the new symbols of the city. Designed in the shape of a circle, the building is an example of an indoor urban space in which residential, business and entertainment areas coexist. The Sony Center courtyard forms a triangle, at the top of which stands out a glass tower. The Highlight Towers office complex, designed by Jan in Munich (2000-2003), consists of two towers with heights of 126 and 113 m, which are connected by three structurally independent steel and glass walkways. According to the architect himself, this building is a clear embodiment of one of the fundamental qualities of modernist architecture — there is nothing superfluous in it.

One of the architect's most ambitious projects, on which his workshop worked for about eight years, is Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok (1995-2004). The airport has the world's tallest control tower with a height of 132.2 m. Today, this architectural complex is one of the largest glass structures in the world. Triplex, which has great durability, is used as the main material for the facade.

Helmut Jahn's handwriting is easily recognizable in every one of his creations. He is close to the high-tech style of post-industrial society.