Sauerbruch Hutton’s proposal restores spatial continuity along Reichpietschufer and Hildebrandtstraße, where the Bendlerblock was originally situated. The project is organised around a new parade square that opens westwards towards the street. Two new buildings are arranged symmetrically on either side, their concave façades defining the square, while a third building opens the site to the north and marks its boundary with the existing grove of black locust trees.
Within the urban landscape, the ensemble is composed of elegantly differentiated volumes that nevertheless remain closely connected. This is particularly evident along Reichpietschufer, where the new complex establishes itself without disrupting the historic character of the site. Continuous eaves help link the old and new buildings, which also share a similar mineral finish.
Elevations. Extension of the Federal Ministry of Defence’s Berlin offices by Sauerbruch Hutton.
The existing building presents two distinct façades: a robust, restrained courtyard façade to the west and a more representative street façade facing the public space to the south. The new buildings respond to this contrast, combining both qualities in a coherent architectural language that is functional while retaining a subtly festive character.
In December, the jury praised the proposal for “boldly reorganising the urban context” and for combining “rigour and a contemporary design” in the square. In the subsequent revision, the project also convinced the Federal Office for Building and Regional Planning in terms of functionality, safety requirements, energy efficiency and overall design.
