“The Berlinian” Tower: A Dialog with Berlin’s Architectural History
The alexanderplatz in Berlin is undergoing a meaningful transformation with the construction of “the Berlinian,” a prominent high-rise building. the project, designed by architect Jan Kleihues of Kleihues + Kleihues, is discussed in a recent interview on the ENTWICKLUNGSSTADT podcast.
Kleihues explains that the tower is conceived as a continuation of the legacy of his father,Hans Kleihues,who designed the Galeria Kaufhof department store on the same site. This connection informs the architectural approach, aiming for a restrained and precise design that complements the existing urban landscape, particularly in relation to the iconic Fernsehturm (TV Tower) and the Alexanderplatz itself.
The design ideology centers on continuity, scale, and the role of a high-rise building in the heart of Berlin. Kleihues emphasizes the intention to create a calm and clear structure that engages in a dialogue with its surroundings, rather then dominating them.The building aims to be a modern addition that respects the past context of the area.
Listen to the interview with Jan Kleihues on the ENTWICKLUNGSSTADT podcast:
* Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/56Z4EpTK0JvLWJuqoJAjqP
* Podcast RSS Feed: https://anchor.fm/s/f232c3d0/podcast/rss
* ENTWICKLUNGSSTADT Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/7lAml4H6vXcBpwcLY5UytS
Sources:
* Kleihues + Kleihues: https://kleihues.com/buero/team/
* ENTWICKLUNGSSTADT Podcast: Information derived from the provided text and links.
* The Berlinian project website (while not directly linked in the source, information about the project is readily available through searches for “the Berlinian Alexanderplatz”): https://www.the-berlinian.de/en/