Architect

Vogt Landscape Architects

products & services

paving-stones ● pflasterplatten-en ● slabs

Location

Friedrichstraße 110, 10117 Berlin

AM TACHELES: from cultural landmark to exclusive urban district

In the Berlin district of Mitte, between Oranienburger Straße, Friedrichstraße, and Johannisstraße, a modern urban district was developed in 2023, seamlessly integrating residential, commercial, retail, and cultural spaces at the highest level. A thoughtfully designed open space concept featuring passages, squares, and courtyards complements the various uses, creating a vibrant, urban environment. The site spans 25,000 square meters and is located at a historic location where the Friedrichstraßenpassage once shaped the shopping experience of the 20th century and later Tacheles became an icon of Berlin’s art and cultural scene. By blending historical significance with contemporary architecture, AM TACHELES is one of the most exciting urban development projects in Berlin. belgrano® natural stone was used for the design of the courtyards and the pavements along Oranienburger Straße.

From Friedrichstraßenpassage to modern urban district: the history of a berlin landmark

The five-story Art Nouveau building with its distinctive domed hall was opened in 1909 as the Friedrichstraßenpassage and was, at the time, the second-largest shopping arcade in Berlin, connecting Friedrichstraße and Oranienburger Straße. Although the building sustained only minor damage during World War II, it soon began to deteriorate and was partially demolished. After the fall of the Berlin Wall, artists occupied the remaining building on Oranienburger Straße and established the Kunsthaus Tacheles, which quickly became a major center for art and culture. This era ended in 2012 with the eviction of the artists. Until 2013, the site remained largely vacant until it was acquired by investors in 2014. The architecture firm Herzog & de Meuron was commissioned to design a plan that considers the historical significance of the site while integrating contemporary architecture.

A new beginning on historic ground: the planning of a modern urban district

The Friedrichstraßenpassage, which connects Friedrichstraße and Oranienburger Straße, has been restored. The Kunsthaus Tacheles, with its historic archway, now serves as a distinctive entrance on Oranienburger Straße. Instead of the former domed room, an open space has been created as the central area. The new building “Scape” frames the passage and provides space for dining, retail, and office use. Since the renovation, the former Kunsthaus Tacheles has been used by Fotografiska Berlin, a globally successful photography museum that brings contemporary photography, art, and culture to Berlin.

To the east of the site is the Aaron-Bernstein-Platz, the heart of the district. Surrounded by the exclusive office and residential buildings “Scale,” “Oro,” “Frame,” “Screen,” “Form3,” and “Laika,” the square features dining and retail spaces on the ground floor. The landscape architects from Vogt Landscape Architects opted for belgrano® basalt paving and granite floor slabs from BESCO in Berlin. The use of small stone paving and Charlottenburg paving slabs, commonly found in many public squares in Berlin, is intended to emphasize the public character of these spaces. In the southwestern part of the site, a green courtyard has been created, surrounded by the new buildings “Vert,” “Suites,” and “Joux.” BESCO also provided the natural stone for this area.

belgrano® natural stone: the choice for timeless elegance and durability

In addition to the Aaron-Bernstein-Platz and the green courtyard, BESCO also provided belgrano® basalt for the paving of the walkway along Oranienburger Straße. Vogt Architects deliberately chose belgrano® for its exceptional resistance to weather and de-icing salts, making it particularly durable and low-maintenance – ideal for high-traffic areas.

The belgrano® natural stone integrates seamlessly with the sophisticated design of the surrounding buildings. Its timeless elegance supports both classic and modern design approaches, highlighting the high-quality material concept of the entire project.