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| Electricity Transformer Station Location: Mauerstraße 78/80 – Berlin, Mitte (ewerk GmbH) Client: spm – real estate Area: 13 000 m² Construction time: 2004 – 2005 Work partners: Kathrin Albrecht, Katharina Brunner, Dr. Stefan Glaefeke, Peter Kühling, Rolf Mattmüller, David Ruic, Eva Tuerks, Darius Wientzeck, Yoichi Osaki The power station in Berlin-Mitte, built between 1924-28 by the architect Hans Heinrich Müller is a prominent example of Berlin’s Industrial Architectural culture. Badly damaged by the War, it stood empty until the 1990’s when it was re-discovered within the techno-scene. Its temporary use as a club made the “E-Werk” internationally renowned. After its closure in 1999, the site underwent planning from HSH Hoyer Schindele Hirschmüller to be converted into an office space for an IT based company. In order for this to happen, the cold, utilitarian character of the building had to be transformed into a bright, modern office for 350 employees. Parts of the building complex such as the former halls and the newly generated roof terrace has been dedicated as event location. The distinct industrial feel of the building was to be preserved but integrated with a new function and aesthetic. The major construction elements were by for the most part conserved and one-by-one brought up to modern standards. As a result, the historicism and atmosphere was maintained such as the clinker-brick courtyard, the switch room and the fire-escapes. The black and white photographs taken shortly after the registration (with a camera authentic to the origin of the building) verify this authentic look. Respect was also given into maintaining the patina on the external façade. The appearance of such details were felt important in showing the history and authenticity of the building. With the help of the conservation society and through references to the textures and colours of the old construction, an architectural language and colour scheme was developed that helped to bridge the long history of the building. By placing for example a reflective, undulating aluminium façade opposite, HSH Hoyer Schindele Hirschmüller oppose the expressive clinker façade whilst borrowing some of its colour and style. Coloured glass balustrades in front of the windows also serve as markers to indicate where changes in the building have taken place. A theme was also developed based upon locks or holding rooms found in the old power station, many of the old rooms were conserved and painted in distinct colours and in addition, new locks, built from aluminium were added to fulfil new functions and to reference the older historical ones. The E-Werk, since completion has been under high demand from various groups, political, cultural or business related wishing to use the rich industrial and historic atmosphere of the building for product promotion, parties etc. |
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