Königliche Direktion - Bombardier Transportation Headquarters
Berlin, 2006

© GAP Gesellschaft für Architektur
& Projektmanagement mbH

Respect for the historical substance of this building was the leitmotif of our work. At the same time we wished to secure the future viability of this listed building from 1893. As it was used as a works hospital for the GDR state railway on the western side of the wall between 1949 and 1989, disfiguring fixtures had to be removed and modern building technology integrated, as well as opening up unused areas and creating contemporary areas in line with its repositioning as office real estate.

While the outside façade remains unchanged, pass behind it and you emerge in another world. This combines the charm of the original neo-Renaissance architecture with an interpretation for contemporary use. The result are representative offices of different sizes – right down to the garden floor. What used to be dark store rooms, are now light offices boasting winter gardens and an unobstructed view of the opulent green interior courtyards.

The redevelopment and conversion measures with their exciting interplay of old and new architectural elements have given a real boost to the charisma and emotive appeal of this venerable building. And made it an attractive proposition on the real estate market. So attractive that Bombardier Transportation scarcely hesitated before moving their headquarters into these premises.


Brief: Conversion and redevelopment of the former administrative headquarters of the East German state railway | Client: Vivico Real Estate | Location: Schöneberger Ufer 1-3, 10785 Berlin, Germany | Construction costs: 12.1 m € (cost group 300+400) | Gross floor space: 21,000 m² | Construction period: 08.2002-11.2003 | Services: Service rendering phases 1-5 in accordance with HOAI