PANDION The Shelf | kadawittfeldarchitektur

Located on Prinzenstrasse in the centre of Berlin Friedrichshain – Kreuzberg, the new mixed-use complex PANDION THE SHELF is just a stone’s throw away from the underground station Moritzplatz in a well-established commercial district. The neighbourhood is renowned for its social mix of population, creative lifestyles, as well as its varied culture and nightlife.

The five to six-storey building is at a prominent place in the urban environment at the corner of the streets Prinzenstrasse and Ritterstrasse. The neighbouring buildings are a mixed bag with, among others, the former factory Butzke Werke and the striking Modulor House situated directly on the square Moritzplatz.

The facade, which is referred to as a “shelf in the city”, adopts features from the neighbourhood in its arrangement, interprets them in a contemporary way and provides the building with its name “THE SHELF”. Inspired by the strict facade structures of old industrial complexes, the multifaceted composition is reminiscent of a type case, in which each user has a separate compartment. The light reflected from the warm gold tone of the exterior elements fitted with sun-shading devices enables the building to blend in with its surroundings. Light is drawn into the depths of the interior space through individual loggias, enhancing the connection between inside and outside. The filigree character and materiality of the facade is fundamental to the identity of the new build that appears as an architectural landmark in the urban fabric. Designed for long-term flexibility, the “urban shelf” reflects the possible mix of different uses on the outside of the building.

The funnel-shaped opening on Prinzenstrasse is like a friendly invitation that allows the urban environment to naturally flow into the interior courtyard. The two-storey passageway not only creates additional storefronts at ground floor level but also a covered entrance into the complex.

This special access solution reflects the particularity of Berlin’s backyards and continues the long history of industrial estates. The connected courtyard complexes, which were typically developed in Berlin to cater for the massive increase in population, became a focus of everyday life in the 19th century. The idea was to introduce this charming backyard character in the new build.

With its function as a main lobby, the landscaped courtyard is transformed into a welcoming place to meet and relax with decks, terraces, plants, outdoor furniture and lighting. The chandelier planned by the light designers jack be nimble gives the space a unique atmosphere. Fitted with 40 lamps and measuring eight metres in diameter, the chandelier spans the entire width of the courtyard.

All office levels can be reached from the interior courtyard via the access cores positioned in each of the four corners. The staircases are adjoined by spacious reception areas, which stand out from the facade and thus clearly highlight the individuality of the locations. In addition to the offices and in line with the mixed-use concept, space has also been designated for catering and retail.

Traditional office layouts have become outdated. Designed to encourage communication and efficient work processes, the modular layout is conducive to flexible workplace solutions, which can easily be adapted to meet the requirements of all future building occupants.

With little effort, the central zones of the combined office spaces can be extended to the full width around the cores or, according to needs, all floors can be converted into traditional offices or separated combined office spaces with wider central zones.

In addition to the landscaped courtyard, THE SHELF offers a range of outdoor areas for well-deserved breaks out in the fresh air: 18 loggias, a large balcony, a roof terrace and a communal space for urban gardening. Designed as a refuge for birds and insects, the occupants are able to use the garden to plant their own vegetables. The roof terrace is also designed for informal meetings: as a communal space, it can be used by different tenants to meet and communicate. 

THE SHELF‘s concept with regard to building construction and technical equipment is to consume as little energy as possible for its operation as well as ensure durability of the materials and a comfortable indoor climate. In addition to the consistent use of daylight and heat recovery systems, this is achieved through the implementation of highly efficient technology.

Light and motion detectors in the interior and the exterior shading devices reduce the energy load and ensure that the building is both sustainable and economical in summer and winter.

Location: Berlin (DE)

Volume: GFA 24.000 m² (above and below ground), LFA approx. 18.000 m², 80 car parking spaces in single-storey underground car park, 20 charging points for e-cars, 200 bicycle parking spaces in underground parking area

Completion: 2021

Competition: 2017, 1 st prize

Client: PANDION Real Estate GmbH

Architect: kadawittfeldarchitektur | www.kwa.ac