High-rise buildings are visible from afar, provide orientation in the urban context and generally offer impressive views.

But they also cast shadows and generate downdraughts. Wind tunnel tests are therefore required to analyse the resulting wind situation and to find solutions to derive and mitigate these effects. 

The model of the buildings on the site of the former postal giro office was analysed in the Wacker Ingenieure GmbH wind tunnel shown here.

The local wind loads for dimensioning the façade, the façade elements of the high-rise building and the number and arrangement of the wind monitors required to control the external venetian blinds were determined.

The new base of the building gently directs the wind loads of the high-rise building downwards and protects passers-by from unpleasant wind speeds.