Since 1946, the listed building of the Prussian Maritime Trade and State Bank on Gendarmenmarkt has been the headquarters of the Berlin-Brandenburg Academy of Sciences and Humanities. Following its destruction during the war, the east wing (Garden Wing) is now to be rebuilt in a modern style. As a place to hold discussions or to retreat to for concentrated work – as a science lounge.
Our design organises lounge and seminar areas as a series of interconnected spaces – an open centre for socialising, accessible to all and usable independently of events taking place in the Leibniz Hall.
The two-storey extension is constructed using a timber frame, which structurally ties in with the existing steel beam grid of the neighbouring glass roof. Prefabricated ceiling modules made of laminated timber and cross-laminated timber enable short construction times and careful installation in the confined inner courtyard. Externally, a calmly structured louvre façade of pre-greyed silver fir defines the appearance – accentuated by large-format glazing that offers a view into the central lounge space. Exposed timber, clay, natural stone and solid timber floorboards create a warm, authentic atmosphere inside, into which the artworks from the Academy’s collection are seamlessly integrated.
Visibly new – yet respectfully integrated into the historic ensemble in terms of scale, eaves height and material composition.
Size: approx. 280 m2 GFA
Award category: 3rd prize
Duration: 2026
Use: Education, Culture
Initiator: Berlin-Brandenburgische Akademie der Wissenschaften
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