Berlin
Investitionsbank Berlin
Hauptverwaltung IBB

The architecture competition’s goal was to ensure a contemporary and representative building that envelopes this important public institution. At the same time, the project also involved asbestos removal, substantial renovation, and an addition designed to consolidate the different-era buildings that form this ensemble. In tandem with these changes, the acquisition of an off-site parking space facilitated removal of the existing parking deck.

A new base connects the building to its surrounding context, and establishes a fresh presence on the street. This base also cradles the common entrance and connection between the IBB’s two buildings. Like two unfurled carpets, the new structures extend outwards from each building—resulting in interlocking volumes. The intersection of these similar yet opposing volumes forms the new entrance, and defines the corner wherein two of the city’s main arteries meet.

The design team reinterpreted the solitary high-rise slab building into an alignment of three towers, one of which contains the core. This reading is made possible by the new treatment of the elevation, as the facade now expresses its verticality in contrast to the previous wrapping-stripes of curtain wall. At the same time, spaces between the towers accentuate the additive character of the alignment.

The new envelope of the building is designed as an interactive facade system, acting as both a noise buffer and heat-gain regulator. As such, it also serves as a model for ecological and economical facade treatment, contributing to the “intelligent building” dialogue.

Furthermore, the design of the building achieves an urban dimension and contributes to ameliorating the immediate context. Its distinct character is thus consolidated, and the complex emerges as a point-of-reference in Berlin’s skyline.