Vorstellung Bebauungsplan

pwr development GmbH, together with Herzog & de Meuron, presents the project plans for the grounds surrounding the former “Tacheles” art venue.

On 30 September 2015, the new local development plan for the construction site between Friedrichstrasse and Oranienburger Strasse was presented to the Committee for Urban Development, Redevelopment, Construction and Development Planning of the Borough of Mitte. Sebastian Klatt, Managing Director of pwr development GmbH, and Ascan Megenthaler, the Senior Partner of Herzog & de Meuron in charge of the project, jointly briefed the committee on the planned project after touring the grounds.

“In Herzog & de Meuron, we found an architectural firm eager to integrate the historic significance of the site of the former Friedrichstrassenpassage shopping mall,” said Sebastian Klatt, who heads the property development team that was set up by the property owner PWREF II for the purpose of managing the project on location in Berlin.

Opened to the public in 1909, the Friedrichstrassenpassage formed an important link between Friedrichstrasse and Oranienburger Strasse, this being just one of the reasons that made it something of a landmark in the district. The idea is now to restore this passage in the new development, and to bring this brownfield in Berlin-Mitte, which has been less than attractive lately, back to life. The last remnant of the historic arcade (the former “Tacheles” building) will be integrated into the future complex of buildings. The developer intends to take a sensitive and respectful approach that adheres to the applicable building conservation constraints. Its intended use as cultural venue is supposed to make the “Tacheles” building once again an attraction known far beyond the city limits.

Herzog & de Meuron’s urban development concept for the site around the former “Tacheles” complies with the parameters of the existing local development plan, and underlines the basic planning principles outlined in the plan. It will take into account the mix of use types and the utilisation ratio defined by the local development plan.

The plans of Herzog & de Meuron combine the public passageway between Oranienburger Strasse, Friedrichstrasse and Johannisstrasse with a diversified succession of squares and walkways of varying proportions. The quarter opens onto Oranienburger Strasse with a large urban square with plenty of greenery, which will define the entire neighbourhood as a signature location. Stores, restaurants and other venues will encourage pedestrians to spend time, while a whole array of pedestrian links will let you promenade through the quarter and pass through it in various directions.

The planned residential development along Johannisstrasse will continue the generous courtyard type of development typical of the Spandauer Vorstadt sub-district, and will do justice to the quiet character of this street. Across from the Kalkscheune event venue, one of the courtyards will exit onto Johannisstrasse, and thus mark the southern entrance to the quarter.

“The planned development is defined by a high quality and contemporary architecture that lives up to the historic significance of the location without historicising. The plans are supposed to create something new even as they commemorate history,” elaborated Ascan Mergenthaler. “We want to breathe life back into this site and to establish it as a unique cultural, retail and residential location,” added Sebastian Klatt.

The project on Friedrichstrasse and Oranienburgerstrasse, while currently still in the early planning phase, is pursued by the principal with a great sense of commitment. pwr development GmbH places a premium on great neighbourhood relations and will update the neighbours well ahead of time as soon as the planning becomes more specific.