Every guidebook and tourist map will lead visitors to some fantastic architecture in the heart of Berlin. The Riechtag, The Jewish Museum and the Holocaust Memorial top the long list of buildings designed by some of the leading practicing architects of the world. They are interesting designs and urban spaces well worth visiting while in town. However, Berlin really shines with its avant-garde and out of the way mentality. This is true for the thriving art and music scenes and also for its often understated architecture. With any interest in architecture or design, these three buildings are worth searching out while visiting Berlin.
The Chapel of Reconciliation
Conceived by Berlin architects Peter Sassenroth and Rudolf Reitermann, this modest and simple building sits calmly in an urban scar caused by the removal of the Berlin Wall. It is located on the site of a former church, demolished in 1985 to clear the area between the walls separating East and West Berlin. The chapel is perfectly simple, elegant, and serene. From a distance a curved wooden object made of vertical boards weathered to a light gray sits in the landscape. As you approach a second object is perceived within the wooden shell. The plan consists of 2 ovals; an outer wall of wood planks and an inner oval of thick rammed earth that surrounds the prayer room. This earth wall supports a series of laminated wood beams that carry the hanging wood planks that span to the concrete floor. These are spaced about 6 inches apart with no thermal enclosure keeping out the surrounding environment. As light pours through the repetition of wood boards, dramatic striped shadows and light stream across the floor and climb up the interior wall. The original cross is placed in an alcove cut out of the rammed earth wall while the altar has been repositioned to be at the end of the east west axis of the oval plan. Windows in the floor offer glimpses of the ruins of the previous church’s foundation. This building is such a contrast to typical contemporary design because of its simplicity. This really supports the cliché of less is more and offers a true masterpiece of architecture where highly publicized designs like the Berlin Jewish Museum fall short.
Am Kupfergraben 10
This gallery, designed by David Chipperfield Architects, is located along the canal overlooking the Museum Island. Although this places it smack dab in the middle of Mitte surrounded by museums and galleries that no tourist is bound to miss, I missed it on my first couple of visits to the area. It is simple, elegant, and bold. It fills in a gap in the urban fabric left from the war. It is a contemporary structure that complements the historic textures and forms surrounding it. It plays off the hights and proportions of the adjacent buildings and utilizes recycled bricks for its façade. The composition of large window openings really sets this design apart from other contemporary structures. The interior galleries are washed with light and the detailing of the building is superb. The exhibits change regularly but it’s the building more than the art it houses that is worth the trip.
The Nordic Embassies
Combining bold aesthetics with a fantastic concept that changes the idea of what embassies can be, The Nordic Embassies is fantastic complex. Rather than each country building a separate entity the Scandinavian nations banded together to create a single complex to house their local representation – fostering an environment of cooperation and communication. The building offers a feeling of transparency and welcoming. The complex is enclosed on three sides by a gently curving, green copper clad wall – like a snake sliding through a garden. The entire wall is comprised of almost four thousand louvers that fold open at strategic points to bring natural light to the interior rooms and courtyards. The southern edge is left open with a glass wall providing security. Views of the courtyard are unobstructed and showcase the six individual buildings housed within. Each building incorporates a complex system of sunshades and operable windows to provide a stunning aesthetic and address issues of sustainability. Materials local to Scandinavia are prevalent in all the buildings’ designs with the Norwegian embassy standing out with its 4 story, solid granite slab. Water features are located between the pavilions symbolizing the connecting seas between the countries. The sixth structure becomes a communal space offering open access to the public and housing a cafe, gallery space, events hall, lecture rooms, and other facilities. Events highlighting aspects of each country’s culture take place here – welcoming in the public.
Top 3 Hotels in Berlin:
- Metropolitan Hansa standard double room from € 55/£ 48/$ 74
- Hotel Delta double room from € 49/£ 43/$ 66
- Hotel Berliner Hof am Tauentzien standard double from € 55/£ 48/$ 74
Photo of the Chapel of Reconciliation by mistersmed
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