Location
Berlin, Germany
Typology
Office
Year
2025
Status
competition
Client
Federal Office for Building and Regional Planning (BBR)
Size
60,000 m² GFA
Read more
The project develops a clear urban composition that carefully relates to the Bendlerblock while establishing its own contemporary identity. Three new volumes are positioned to form a coherent ensemble, translating the existing scale, proportions, and spatial order into a precise and modern architectural language. A nuanced height gradation mediates between the historic structure, adjacent buildings, and landscape, resulting in a balanced and legible urban figure.
The Paradeplatz acts as the central organizing element, conceived as both arrival space and civic focus. The reinterpreted ceremonial staircase strengthens its spatial and symbolic role, while a north–south axis structures movement and connects built form with open landscape.
Architecturally, a rational modular grid underpins flexibility and long-term usability. The buildings express a robust yet refined tectonic, with a contemporary interpretation of classical façade principles. This approach ensures coherence, adaptability, and a strong architectural presence within a clearly defined urban framework.
Location
Berlin, Germany
Typology
Office
Year
2025
Status
competition
Client
Federal Office for Building and Regional Planning (BBR)
Size
60,000 m² GFA
Read more
The design develops a clear urban figure that integrates naturally into the historic ensemble. Three carefully proportioned volumes strengthen the existing edges, define new courtyards and public spaces, and respond sensitively to the scale and rhythm of the surrounding buildings. Stepped heights and landscaped terraces create a coherent transition between old and new.
The design develops a clear urban figure that integrates naturally into the historic ensemble. Three carefully proportioned volumes strengthen the existing edges, define new courtyards and public spaces, and respond sensitively to the scale and rhythm of the surrounding buildings. Stepped heights and landscaped terraces create a coherent transition between old and new.
Enhanced by AI
Enhanced by AI
Massing & Proportion
The building volumes are carefully composed in response to the historic urban fabric, using clear proportions, stepped heights and differentiated building depths. Setbacks and recesses break down the overall scale and create a balanced relationship between the new interventions and the existing ensemble, while clearly defining courtyards, edges and public spaces.
Façade, Modularity & Sustainable Design
A consistent façade grid gives the buildings a calm rhythm and clear identity, while projections and recesses create depth and flexibility. PV roofs, retention roofs and integrated shading support climate-responsive design, complemented by a green masterplan with landscaped courtyards and planted roof areas.
Massing & Proportion
The building volumes are carefully composed in response to the historic urban fabric, using clear proportions, stepped heights and differentiated building depths. Setbacks and recesses break down the overall scale and create a balanced relationship between the new interventions and the existing ensemble, while clearly defining courtyards, edges and public spaces.
Façade, Modularity & Sustainable Design
A consistent façade grid gives the buildings a calm rhythm and clear identity, while projections and recesses create depth and flexibility. PV roofs, retention roofs and integrated shading support climate-responsive design, complemented by a green masterplan with landscaped courtyards and planted roof areas.
The landscape concept creates a clear and representative open-space framework with strong spatial variation and a disciplined material palette. A generous parade ground and processional staircase form the central civic spaces, while landscaped courtyards, roof gardens and tree planting introduce a softer, greener character and reinforce the identity of the ensemble.
The landscape concept creates a clear and representative open-space framework with strong spatial variation and a disciplined material palette. A generous parade ground and processional staircase form the central civic spaces, while landscaped courtyards, roof gardens and tree planting introduce a softer, greener character and reinforce the identity of the ensemble.
Enhanced by AI
The parade ground and state guest staircase form the representative heart of the ensemble. The generous stair opens directly onto the square and creates a clear ceremonial arrival sequence, while its restrained geometry complements the existing architecture. Broad landings provide places to pause and gather, turning the staircase into both a symbolic entrance and an active public space.
Enhanced by AI
The parade ground and state guest staircase form the representative heart of the ensemble. The generous stair opens directly onto the square and creates a clear ceremonial arrival sequence, while its restrained geometry complements the existing architecture. Broad landings provide places to pause and gather, turning the staircase into both a symbolic entrance and an active public space.
The architectural concept is based on clear structures, durable forms and long-term adaptability. New buildings use robust materials and a calm, repetitive façade rhythm that responds to the historic context without imitation. Deep reveals, carefully proportioned openings and flexible internal layouts create a timeless architecture that combines solidity, functionality and a refined civic character.
The architectural concept is based on clear structures, durable forms and long-term adaptability. New buildings use robust materials and a calm, repetitive façade rhythm that responds to the historic context without imitation. Deep reveals, carefully proportioned openings and flexible internal layouts create a timeless architecture that combines solidity, functionality and a refined civic character.
