Architect
products & services
base-elements ● paving-stones ● seating-elements ● slabs ● stair-coverings
Location
Potsdamer Straße, 10785 Berlin
At the heart of Berlin lies the Center Potsdamer Platz, formerly known as the Sony Center. The impressive building complex was opened in 2000, designed by architect Helmut Jahn in collaboration with PWP Landscape Architecture. Covering an area of 113,000 m², the center combines eight buildings with offices, residential spaces, restaurants, cinemas, and cultural facilities. The central attraction is the Forum – a spacious square spanned by a tent-like glass roof that seamlessly connects indoor and outdoor areas. In 2017, the Oxford Properties Group acquired the complex and initiated a comprehensive modernization in 2021. With an investment of around 200 million euros, the original planners redesigned the buildings to create a more attractive work and leisure environment.
As part of the modernization, BESCO supplied high-quality stair coverings, floor slabs, paving, seating elements, and enclosures made of belgrano® granite and basalt. These elements give the area a modern and elegant appearance.
Before the redesign, the floor of the Forum consisted of a mix of natural stone paving and large metal plates. To improve slip resistance and minimize the risk of slipping, the planners from capattistaubach opted for a redesign. The metal plates were removed and replaced with belgrano® natural stone slabs. Additionally, dark paving stones were added to complement the existing natural stone paving, laid 25 years ago – including at the site of the former fountain. The combination of the color shades gives the square a modern yet timeless appearance that blends harmoniously with the architectural surroundings. At the same time, the center of the square remains open for events, concerts, market stalls, or an ice rink.
From a practical perspective, the new flooring also offers advantages: Natural stone is frost-resistant and weatherproof, while slip-resistant surface treatments provide added safety. Furthermore, natural stone retains heat, allowing it to dry faster in sunlight and further reducing the risk of ice formation.
For the Frederick’s Restaurant and the Kaisersaal, the architectural firm AUKETT + HEESE designed two staircases with belgrano® natural stone coverings. The steps are designed to rest on metal supports like an inverted “U,” giving them a seemingly floating appearance. The modern design combines elegance with stability, making the staircases an architectural highlight.
The Fitness Experience Hub at Potsdamer Platz is an outdoor sports area developed in collaboration with Nike. A distinctive feature of the urban-designed space is a fully mirrored pavilion, from which free training sessions, as well as yoga and dance classes, are offered daily. A striking element of the hub is the surrounding belgrano® natural stone block, which serves as a seating area and gives the space a robust yet elegant frame. The running track itself is made from Nike Grind, a granulate composed of recycled shoe soles, coated with epoxy resin. This sustainable material combination blends movement with environmental awareness, creating an appealing urban space that impresses both visually and functionally.
The use of belgrano® natural stone plays a significant role in the redesign of the Center Potsdamer Platz. Whether as robust floor slabs, elegant staircase cladding, or massive seating elements – the high-quality natural stone impressively combines aesthetics and functionality. Its durability, frost resistance, and slip resistance make it the ideal choice for the high-traffic areas of the center. Resistant to daily wear from visitor flows, events, and weather, it provides a long-lasting solution in the urban space. Through its harmonious integration into modern architecture, the natural stone not only enhances the visual appeal of the area but also sustainably improves its usability.
Find out more about the use and range of applications of natural stone.
Pedestrian zones & city squares
