Behrens-Ufer, Berlin

The area is being modernized on behalf of DIEAG - DIE Deutsche Immobilien Entwicklungs AG, creating space for commerce, production, gastronomy and science as well as versatile spaces for community.

The district as the city of short distances, in which living and working spaces grow together and holistic modernization is possible, is increasingly becoming a relevant component of sustainable urban development. The New Leipzig Charter reaffirmed this politically in 2020. The so-called productive city, i.e. manufacturing industry as part of overall urban development, is also becoming increasingly important in the transformation of cities. With Behrens-Ufer, a new commercial district is being created in the south-east of Berlin that is dedicated to this forward-looking approach. ZÜBLIN is responsible for the planning, refurbishment and conversion of the ten-hectare former industrial site for sustainable district development. On behalf of DIE Deutsche Immobilien Entwicklungs AG (DIEAG), the site will be modernized until completion at the end of 2028/beginning of 2029. This will create space for commerce, production, gastronomy and science as well as versatile spaces for community - innovative, energy self-sufficient and people-centered.

The heart of the site is the listed Behrensbau from 1917 with its impressive atrium. The three-winged multi-storey factory with the 58 m high water tower was already used as a factory for automobile production and later for television electronics. In addition to two factory halls and another building (House D), the Behrensbau is being extensively renovated and modernized.

Reconciling sustainability standards with monument protection - this is achieved in the former assembly hall, for example: while some of the historic windows are being restored or replicated, additional windows installed inside the hall create a good indoor climate, which also takes into account the thermal requirements.

Many details of the existing building, such as wooden doors and the representative tiled mirrors in the historic stair towers, are to be retained as far as possible. Wall paneling and a mural will also be extensively restored. All measures will be closely coordinated with the monument protection authority.