BIG proposes axel springer campus for historic berlin site

BIG proposes axel springer campus for historic berlin site
all images courtesy of bjarke ingels group

bjarke ingels group (BIG) is among a trio of winners for the new media campus of axel springer, a building which aims to integrate itself within the historic urban fabric of the city. located at the former site of the berlin wall, the design regenerates one of the area’s last remaining plots of land, establishing the complex as a new and vibrant creative hub.

the design brings together the site’s range of programs

forming a strong identity for the project, two of berlin’s most common architectural typologies are fused: a perimeter block of office buildings oriented around an internal courtyard, and a tall tower, with a public square at its base. once unified, the scheme comprises the qualities of both an intimate courtyard and an efficiently programmed high-rise structure. externally, façades have been keep as transparent as possible, ensuring that a visual connection is established between the campus and its surroundings.

greenery planted at each level ensures that workers have constant views of nature

the focal point of BIG’s design involves an ascending spiral of stairways and terraces connecting the building from ground level upwards, bringing together the site’s range of programs, and promoting collaboration and discussion among its occupants. greenery planted at each storey ensures that workers have frequent views of nature, while accessible external courtyards provide ample daylight and fresh air. continuing the overarching theme of integration, the scheme will amalgamate prominent firms and start-up businesses, encouraging a diverse mix of users throughout its program.

the design promotes collaboration and discussion among its occupants

‘we propose a building that creates the optimum conditions for encounters and exchanges between the various groups of users. like a three dimensional neighborhood, the building will bring together digital and traditional media brands, start-ups and established firms, entrepreneurs and employees, and unite the activities of axel springer campus with the public life of the city’, explained bjarke ingels.

for more of designboom’s coverage on the other shortlisted schemes, see here.

transparent façades ensure that a visual connection is established between the campus and its surroundings

BIG’s design involves an ascending spiral of stairways and terraces connecting the building

the scheme will house start-up businesses alongside more established firms

large terraces offer views across the german capital

an aerial view of the campus in its city context

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project info:

title: axel springer campus
collaborators: bollinger+grohmann, manmadeland+topotek 1, kardoff ingenieure, wenzel+wenzel
location: berlin, germany
size: 69,000 sqm
client: axel springer ag

partner in charge: bjarke ingels, andreas klok pedersen
associate in charge: andré schmidt
project leader: lucian racovitan, hanna johansson
team: aaron hales, alek wadas, alexander ejsing, alexandra lukianova, horia spirescu, jonathan quaade, junjie yan, kasper reimar hansen, laura wätte, martin maria beck, mathias bank, mikolai adamus, nicolas milot, oscar wilhelm abrahamsson, hung kai liao