With the reunification of Berlin, the chauffeur service for GDR officials was taken out of service and its premises, the Fahrbereitschaft, fell into disuse. Located in Berlin-Lichtenberg, the site encompasses 13 historical buildings, reminiscent of the towers of 0154 San Gimignano Lichtenberg. They included numerous garages, car workshops, a petrol station, and a casino with a ballroom and other cultural facilities. The clients, conceptual art collectors and progenitors of the Haubrok Foundation, decided to develop the large area whilst preserving the existing fabric. The concept thus envisaged a mixed-use complex—juxtaposing production with art—aimed at reusing the existing structures and providing studio space for affordable rents. Two new buildings were to be added to the site: a 108-meter-long pavilion for commercial use that is aligned with the southern border of the plot and a square building for art storage (0182.1 Fahrbereitschaft Lichtenberg: Schaulager) located next to the entrance to the area. In spring 2018 the long pavilion, Fahrbereitschaft Lichtenberg: Gewerbe, was completed.
The building is a 108-meter-long steel structure, clad with multi-layer polycarbonate panels, that creates a backdrop using the entire length—from west to east—of the plot. It is visible from every point of the site and as a two-dimensional layer it frames the existing ensemble. The building is used commercially for ateliers, workshops, and offices, each occupying one to three units in accordance with the construction grid, which allows individualized interior fittings. Each unit has a gallery level that provides access to the three meter deep south-facing maintenance terrace. The building is made of prefabricated elements, a concept that was first tested with the “standard+” projects—0066 Dönges I, 0074 Cramer I, and 0097 Wentzsche.
© Brandlhuber+ Team
© Hisao Suzuki
© Hisao Suzuki
© Maximilian Schwarzmann
© Maximilian Schwarzmann