In 1999, the Berlin Medical Chamber decided to build an open house at the Berlin ‘Friedrichstrasse’ (one of the best-known streets in the city). Individually designed to meet the concerns of the Chamber, it should be able to play a strong part in the public space without being effusively staged. Based on these requirements we developed a modern service centre, which is used for the Chamber’s administration, the medical parliament, as a meeting point and a centre for vocational courses. Its cubic shape clearly defines the space of the street and naturally establishes the building as independent element of this important inner-city street. A special highlight is the glass façade of the entrance area, which covers the first two storeys and reaches around the corner, therefore leading the way to the adjoining promenade.
A spatial dialog between the building and the city is established by the generously glazed transparent entrance area, which excitingly relates to the light terracotta façade. Having the greatest possible openness in mind, the foyer was designed as a inviting spatial continuum of public and semi-public areas connected by gentle ramps and stairs. Behind the rhythmic stone façade of the upper storeys the open-plan offices of the administration are situated. They are connected by light transparent central zones which are also used for establishing spontaneous contacts.
Even though space is very limited in the heart of Berlin, we managed to include intimate garden areas. The roof-garden as well as the ‘bistro-garden’ on the first floor are situated in the quiet part of the building. The glass walls of the adjoining rooms can be almost totally opened so that inside and outside melt into one big space. A warm and natural feeling is created by the colour of the light terracotta.The use of primary energy was, especially from an ecological point of view, included into the entire concept. The fact that almost all of the rooms are ventilated naturally is also another important psychological and of course energetic aspect.
| Berlin Medical Chamber New Building Friedrichstrasse (D) building costs approx. 11 million EUR start of construction 2001 completion 2003 floor area 4,100 sqm
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