Commerzbank Tower

The Commerzbank Tower was completed in 1997 and at 259 meters remains the tallest building in Germany and the entire European Union. It was designed by the British architect Norman Foster as the world's first ecological skyscraper: the triangular floor plan wraps around a central atrium, and nine four-story planted sky gardens spiral around the core, so all offices receive natural light and ventilation. These innovations attracted international attention in 1997 and influenced skyline architecture in Asia and North America. The tower is not normally open to the public, but its distinctive profile with rounded shoulders and triangular crown is visible from almost every point in downtown Frankfurt. The view is especially striking from the Alte Bruecke crossing the Main.