Diversity and tolerance form the architectural foundation for the new city hall building in Berlin’s Mitte district. Volumes of varying sizes coalesce into a single entity, enveloped by a solar fabric. The building presents itself just like the city itself—authentic, transparent, and honest. Precisely placed projections and recesses create a multi-layered structure that generates dynamic spatial sequences both at street level and in height, culminating in a visible highlight of the urban drama of the neighboring Haus der Statistik.
On the ground floor, the individual sections come together to form a shared democratic space featuring public amenities, green urban balconies, and large display windows. An inviting town hall staircase connects the foyer, exhibition space, library, and conference areas. On the upper floors, varied rooftop gardens offer unique open spaces and vantage points right next to the workspaces—the public rooftop terrace on the 15th floor provides a panoramic view of Berlin.
The approximately 65-meter-tall building is based on a hybrid timber frame with ribbed and coved ceilings made of wood and clay, which reduce greenhouse gas emissions by around 37 percent compared to reinforced concrete. The facade of photovoltaic modules serves as shading, weather protection, and an energy source. Geothermal heat pumps, natural ventilation, and the use of recycled materials underscore the commitment to sustainability.
