david chipperfield moves forward with historic bötzow brewery restoration in berlin

david chipperfield transforms old berlin brewery into public destination

following the masterplan reveal of the historic bötzow brewery in berlin, british architect david chipperfield moves forward with the restoration with seven out of the ten buildings having already adopted new functions in 2021. located within walking distance of the popular alexanderplatz and the friedrichshain public park, the renovated complex incorporates a public beer garden amid a series of industrial buildings, emerging as a public destination within the urban fabric. 

exterior view, house 1 and 2

all images © simon menges, unless stated otherwise

preserving the identity of the bötzow brewery

since its initial opening in 1885, the bötzow brewery has been a well-liked and frequently-visited spot in berlin.  following numerous extensions and conversions, the grounds were damaged in parts during world war II, while the entrepreneur’s villa and serving building were completely eliminated. the bötzow complex was left neglected for decades and was listed as a protected site in 1990.

the focus of all renovation measures by david chipperfield (find more here) was to highlight and maintain the identity of the historic ensemble. in fact, all existing buildings have been refurbished in close cooperation with the heritage authorities to accommodate their new functions. the historic vaults that form the structure’s underground foundations are linked at selected points with the levels above, while the mysterious atmosphere below remains intact,  and traces of usage and time have been preserved. the existing building was conserved to the greatest extent possible, and non-functioning elements were repaired instead of being replaced. this approach not only makes sense ecologically – it saves resources and avoids waste – but also brings economic benefits.

courtyard roof, house 4

entrepreneurship and public life combined

since chipperfield’s restoration, the brewery site also houses the ottobock future lab, an innovation center that forms an important component of the program. this link between entrepreneurship and public life is what keeps the tradition of the brewery site alive. the rest of the areas were mainly converted into co-working spaces. the former brewery basement and cellars accommodate fitness and wellness facilities. where the original open-air garden was once situated, the grounds now open up to the city with a new, expansive beer garden.

the natural topography of the site creates an intriguing spatial sequence towards the central square located to the rear of the beer garden. the masterplan also encompasses four new buildings, which make reference in their placement to the former ensemble, and an underground car park. a restaurant building will be located in the beer garden, two new buildings will provide further co-working areas and a residential and office building will be built in the entrance area at prenzlauer allee.

view of the courtyard

courtyard roof, house 5 and 6

house 2, offices

house 2, offices

house 2, former boiler house

house 3, research and development

house 3, offices

former horse stables, lower ground floor

house 5A, ground floor offices

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project info:

name: bötzow brewery 
architects: david chipperfield architects berlin
location: berlin, germany
area: 2013202543,500 m2 (32,000 m2 historic buildings, 11,500 m2 new buildings)