Original purpose: printing and newspaper centre

Style: industrial hall

Reconstruction period: 2008–2010, by Dahm Architekten + Ingenieure

Current Purpose: Der Bühnenservice Berlin (scene shops, financial centre, costume centre for three Berlin theatres)

Former printing works and newspaper centre (am Wriezener Bahnhof 1) came to be extended and converted in 2008–2010 by Dahm Architekten architects into state-of-the-art scenic workshops, financial centre and costume centre for three Berlin theatre houses (Der Bühnenservice Berlin). These centralized scene shops – largest of its kind in Germany – produce all sceneries for Berlin’s Komische Oper, Deutsche Oper and Staatsballett. An area of 25,000 sqm serves as a workplace for 250 staff whose job is to fabricate scenes and costumes, and as the seat of admin offices. The building hosts two largepaint shops, carpenter shops, thermoforming and upholstery workshops and locksmith shops as well as an assembly hall with a rehearsal stage of equal size as the largest stage in the theatre. The space also contains a rehearsal revolving stage. Everything is interconnected to the max and equipped in a modern way with functionality in mind as the prime concern. The large complex is built around a courtyard with a cafeteria and a summer auditorium for people to meet. The extended construction provides modern spaces that are well equipped, designed with focus on purpose, and linked to one another.

Autor: Marcela Steinbachová