Berlin, 2011
Photo © Christian Gahl

Planned back in the 1940s, the neoclassical three-winged complex of the Ernst-Reuter-Haus was completed in 1956 as the headquarters of the German Association of Cities and is listed as a national monument.

Photo © Christian Gahl

In terms of design, the building has been redesigned to reflect its institutionalised democratic use and to create more transparency between the individual zones. The additions were made in agreement with the requirements of the monument authorities.

Photo © Christian Gahl

The changes include indirect lighting of the façades, the creation of a café in the entrance arcade area and the symmetrical design of the side wing entrances, as well as far-reaching structural restructuring.

Photo © Christian Gahl

Additional usable space was gained with extensions on the third floor and the top floor as well as a rear extension. Exit terraces behind the parapet of the main risalit and the courtyard front of the centre wing provide a new quality of stay.

Photo © Christian Gahl
Photo © Christian Gahl
Photo © Christian Gahl