Center for Art and Urbanistics by Peter Grundmann Architekten

The Center for Art and Urbanistics (ZKU), established in 2012, represents a dynamic hub for contemporary art, urban research, and community engagement in Berlin Moabit. Originally a former freight station, the building was repurposed to host a highly diverse program encompassing exhibitions, music events, urban strategies, lectures, cinema, neighborhood markets, and public workshops. Over time, the space quickly became insufficient to accommodate the growing variety of activities, prompting the need for a carefully considered expansion.

Surrounded by a park on all sides, ZKU’s location imposed a significant design challenge: the expansion could not encroach upon the valuable open space, which was essential to maintaining the building’s connection to its natural surroundings. After careful consideration, the architectural team at Peter Grundmann Architekten determined that the most effective solution was vertical expansion. In 2016, the decision was made to add an extra floor to the existing warehouse while preserving the integrity and character of the original structure.

Preserving Industrial Heritage

The expansion required a sensitive approach to the building’s industrial history. The roof of the original warehouse was removed, but all walls and basement ceilings were retained, remaining uninsulated and raw. This decision preserved the industrial aesthetic of the building while accommodating contemporary programmatic needs. The new floor wraps around the existing brick walls, establishing a dialogue between old and new elements. By maintaining the authenticity of the brick and concrete surfaces, the architects celebrated the building’s historical narrative, allowing its industrial character to remain legible and integral to the identity of ZKU.

The basement and ground floors continue to house large event spaces, capable of hosting exhibitions, performances, and community gatherings. On the south side, a glass façade is positioned 1.80 meters from the brick wall, creating a gallery-like buffer zone that allows visitors to experience the raw materiality of the warehouse in contrast with the transparent modern addition. On the north side, the glass façade is set back by six meters, introducing additional functional space while providing opportunities for natural light penetration and visual connectivity to the surrounding park.

Open Circulation and Spatial Dynamics

Accessibility and circulation were central considerations in the expansion. Two external staircases lead to the new upper floor, which is encircled by gallery walkways. These walkways provide dual access—from both inside the building and the exterior—allowing visitors to traverse the space fluidly and experience the interplay between the old warehouse structure and the new architectural interventions. The roof itself serves as a large terrace, offering panoramic views of the Moabit district and the adjacent parklands, and functioning as an outdoor venue for gatherings, performances, and events.

The interplay of old and new elements—including the platform roof, staircases, gallery walkways, and glass façade—creates a layered spatial sequence, in which architectural elements are arranged openly, one behind the other. This sequencing fosters a sense of transparency and connectivity, allowing visitors to navigate the site intuitively while experiencing the juxtaposition of historical and contemporary architecture. The spatial layout encourages exploration and discovery, highlighting the building’s flexibility as a venue for multiple disciplines and activities.

Integration with Community and Culture

ZKU’s design is not merely a static architectural intervention; it is activated by its users. Artists, cultural workers, researchers, and community groups animate the space, contributing to a vibrant, participatory environment that extends the building’s architectural dynamism into social and cultural realms. The center functions as a laboratory for urban engagement, where residents and visitors alike can interact with ideas about urban development, art practices, and public space.

The building’s upper floor and terrace, coupled with flexible interior spaces, encourage interdisciplinary exchange, supporting collaborations between artists, scholars, and the public. This active programming aligns with the architectural intent: a structure that is simultaneously adaptive, inclusive, and interactive, providing a platform for experimentation while maintaining a clear respect for historical context.

Architectural Identity and Legacy

The Center for Art and Urbanistics demonstrates how adaptive reuse and careful expansion can reconcile contemporary needs with heritage preservation. By integrating new structures with existing industrial fabric, the architects achieved a harmonious balance between historical authenticity and modern functionality. The transparency of the glass façades, the openness of circulation, and the rooftop terrace collectively create a distinctive architectural identity, one that celebrates Berlin’s industrial past while promoting cultural innovation and urban research.

Through its thoughtful layering of spaces and attention to materiality, light, and circulation, ZKU has become a landmark destination for art, urban discourse, and community engagement. The building exemplifies how architectural design can foster social interaction, support creative practices, and enhance the cultural life of a city, all while preserving the intrinsic character of a historic industrial structure.

Photography: Yizhi Wang