#Multifunctional building #Berlin #Germany #1929
Bürohaus am Alexanderplatz GmbH
Alexanderplatz 1, 2
10178
Berlin,
Germany
Public transport: Alexanderplatz
Access: Public building, free entry during working hours
Today's use: multifunctional
Description
Two houses with many special urbanistic features: They are the only buildings from the construction plan for Alexanderplatz dating back to 1928 and are also the only buildings that remained standing on Alexanderplatz after World War II. They are also interesting from an urban planning perspective, as they form a symbolic gateway leading from the centre of Berlin to the east of the city. The idea of a medieval city gate is reflected in a modern way. The significance of a gate is even emphasised by the illuminated strips on the two narrow sides of the houses.
In both buildings, the basic modernist principle of not planning a front and back has been fully realised. Regardless of which side you approach them from, the buildings show a fully-fledged side that is never turned away.
The Berolinahaus is even linked to Berlin's transport development. Access to the Alexanderplatz underground station was created in the basement. The construction of the underground station is part of the square's redevelopment plan.
The construction from a steel skeleton made it possible to organise the space inside according to requirements, as the walls did not carry any weight. The first floor is particularly emphasised with a zone of large glass windows used for shops and public areas. The roofs were once used as terraces.
The shell limestone facades were destroyed by the devastation and fires of World War II. A concrete mixture that looks very similar to shell limestone was used. It was not until the renovation between 1992 and 1995 that a similar shell limestone was reapplied as cladding.
Description
Two houses with many special urbanistic features: They are the only buildings from the construction plan for Alexanderplatz dating back to 1928 and are also the only buildings that remained standing on Alexanderplatz after World War II. They are also interesting from an urban planning perspective, as they form a symbolic gateway leading from the centre of Berlin to the east of the city. The idea of a medieval city gate is reflected in a modern way. The significance of a gate is even emphasised by the illuminated strips on the two narrow sides of the houses.
In both buildings, the basic modernist principle of not planning a front and back has been fully realised. Regardless of which side you approach them from, the buildings show a fully-fledged side that is never turned away.
The Berolinahaus is even linked to Berlin's transport development. Access to the Alexanderplatz underground station was created in the basement. The construction of the underground station is part of the square's redevelopment plan.
The construction from a steel skeleton made it possible to organise the space inside according to requirements, as the walls did not carry any weight. The first floor is particularly emphasised with a zone of large glass windows used for shops and public areas. The roofs were once used as terraces.
The shell limestone facades were destroyed by the devastation and fires of World War II. A concrete mixture that looks very similar to shell limestone was used. It was not until the renovation between 1992 and 1995 that a similar shell limestone was reapplied as cladding.
History
When construction work on the Berolinahaus began in 1929, major planning for the complete redesign of Alexanderplatz began a year earlier. The aim was to create a modern square. At that time, Alexanderplatz was much smaller and encompassed the northeastern area directly adjacent to the Berolinahaus and Alexanderhaus. For the Berolinahaus was demolished an apartment house and for the Alexanderhaus a theatre.
Construction of the Alexanderhaus began in 1930. These two buildings were intended to mark the beginning of the square's redesign.
But everything turned out differently. After the Great Depression, juts the both buildings were completed in 1932. However, further redesign was no longer an option. With the Nazi seizure of power in 1933, other building projects and styles emerged anyway. And what is even more surprising: The houses were by no means designed to last forever. The concession for the houses, which included the city of Berlin, ended in 1955 and they were to be demolished that year.
Due to the destruction in World War II and the complete redesign from 1950 onwards into the new centre of the capital of the GDR, all the old buildings were replaced with new ones. Although the Alexanderhaus was also hit by a bomb, the structure remained stable enough to be repaired. Only the two buildings survived on the square, making them the oldest examples of architecture.
The interior of the Alexanderhaus is completely reorganised and is first used as a department store and bookshop, later as a furniture store. On the other side, the Berlin city administration moves into the Berolinahaus.
In 1975, 20 years after the planned demolition, both houses are protected as monuments.
After the year 1990 the Alexanderhaus Berolinahaus was refunded to the bank Sparkasse and Landesbank, that owned the building until 1949. On the other hand, the Berolinahaus was reconstructed much later and became home of a department store.
History
When construction work on the Berolinahaus began in 1929, major planning for the complete redesign of Alexanderplatz began a year earlier. The aim was to create a modern square. At that time, Alexanderplatz was much smaller and encompassed the northeastern area directly adjacent to the Berolinahaus and Alexanderhaus. For the Berolinahaus was demolished an apartment house and for the Alexanderhaus a theatre.
Construction of the Alexanderhaus began in 1930. These two buildings were intended to mark the beginning of the square's redesign.
But everything turned out differently. After the Great Depression, juts the both buildings were completed in 1932. However, further redesign was no longer an option. With the Nazi seizure of power in 1933, other building projects and styles emerged anyway. And what is even more surprising: The houses were by no means designed to last forever. The concession for the houses, which included the city of Berlin, ended in 1955 and they were to be demolished that year.
Due to the destruction in World War II and the complete redesign from 1950 onwards into the new centre of the capital of the GDR, all the old buildings were replaced with new ones. Although the Alexanderhaus was also hit by a bomb, the structure remained stable enough to be repaired. Only the two buildings survived on the square, making them the oldest examples of architecture.
The interior of the Alexanderhaus is completely reorganised and is first used as a department store and bookshop, later as a furniture store. On the other side, the Berlin city administration moves into the Berolinahaus.
In 1975, 20 years after the planned demolition, both houses are protected as monuments.
After the year 1990 the Alexanderhaus Berolinahaus was refunded to the bank Sparkasse and Landesbank, that owned the building until 1949. On the other hand, the Berolinahaus was reconstructed much later and became home of a department store.
Sources
Sources
