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LocationBerlin
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ProjectRevitalization of an office building
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ClientBlackstone Group c/o Office First Real Estate GmbH
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Gross floor areaapprox. 140,000 m²
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Planning period2016–2020 (Planning has been stopped)
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Service phases1–4
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Visualizationsbloomimages
The Treptowers, an office complex directly situated on the banks of the Spree River in Berlin, feature a 30-floor high-rise visible from afar, with a fortress-like structure at its base that is equally striking. For decades, the site served as the Allianz headquarters. Following their departure and the sale of the entire complex, the new owner sought ways to modernize the approximately 100,000 square meters of above ground gross floor area. In addition to enhancing energy efficiency, integrating the complex into the urban fabric was a key objective.
During a week-long workshop within the building, with the participation of Rios Clementi Hale Studios from Los Angeles, Topotek 1 from Berlin, and our team, we developed a key strategy to “hack” the building and connect it with its surroundings. The concept: the formerly enclosed courtyards will be transformed into a dynamic 3,000 m² campus by demolishing the ground and first floors. This intervention creates a welcoming public space with restaurants, retail, and fitness facilities. Moreover, the campus will serve as an attractive link between the city and the Spree, where office space is interwoven with landscaped outdoor areas.
As the development of this initially radical idea progressed, the building’s inherent versatility became evident. Previously as an insurance headquarters, the Treptowers were uninviting, characterized by their closed-off appearance and restricted access routes. Employees entered the vast complex through narrow passages, and access to the Spree was out of the question.
In its revitalized form, the Treptowers will continue to provide jobs for up to 5,000 people. The office floors will feature flexible layouts, smart technologies, sustainable solutions, and provisions for contemporary mobility. We are also reimagining the workspace as part of the broader living environment. A new plaza opening onto Elsenbrücke will serve as a forecourt, with the historic row of poplar trees preserved and expanded to provide a natural buffer from the street. This inviting space will encourage visitors to linger and enjoy the gastronomic offerings and seating. The complex can be accessed either through an older building on the city side or by ascending an open staircase facing the Allianz Tower, leading directly to the heart of the Treptowers: the campus. Unlike before, the site will no longer have just one address, but up to nine distinct addresses.

On the Spree-facing side of the complex, the lower two floors of the rigid structure of transoms and crossbars will be opened up down to the columns, creating a highly functional and visually engaging campus. Distinctly themed pavilions will generate public activity and elevate the complex into a modern work environment. The newly designed ground floor zone will offer shopping, gastronomy – including a possible Michelin-starred restaurant – fitness facilities, coworking spaces and conference rooms. The campus landscape, flowing around the pavilions, evokes the spirit of English landscape gardens, where small “follies” like temples, bridges, or fountains delight passersby. These artistic accents will also serve as landmarks, helping orient visitors to the office areas above.
The largest opening will be on the river-facing side of the Treptowers, where access to the Spree – long blocked by a wall – will be dramatically revealed through a 170-meter-wide flight of steps. The star-shaped pavilion will project from the campus level, maximizing the waterfront experience. Small seating areas along the steps invite visitors to relax and enjoy the surroundings. Openness and quality of life, infused with Californian spirit, will be created in the heart of Berlin.
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Caspar Schmitz-Morkramer
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Simon Kortemeier
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Martin Lorger
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Dominic Wanisch
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Lars Göpfert
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Aleksandra Lewandowska
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Israel Moreno Torres
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Kristina Rhiemeier
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Rojek Kacper
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Volker Viviani