The revitalization of the “Kalle Neukölln” project breathes new life into the old Quelle department store on Karl-Marx-Straße in Berlin. This ambitious initiative, spearheaded by developer MREI and architect Max Dudler, respects the building’s historical significance while transforming it into a vibrant creative hub, promoting sustainable repurposing over demolition. The design engenders a contemporary setting that fosters work, culture, and community interaction, serving as a model for future urban renewal efforts.
Spread across 40,000 m², the “Kalle Neukölln” transformation balances collaboration, culture, and leisure. It encompasses 26,000 m² of office space, 4,000 m² for retail, 4,000 m² of lush rooftop gardens, and a 6,000 m² market hall, combining gastronomy and event spaces. This redevelopment positions Karl-Marx-Straße as a lively urban focal point, enhancing the experience for tenants and visitors alike while energizing the neighbourhood, proving that neglected urban spaces can be revitalised.
Emphasising distinctiveness, the façades divide the complex into two sections: a light stone loggia on Karl-Marx-Straße and bronze metal cladding on the former parking structure. The decommissioned spiral ramp is being transformed into a “Winter Garden,” an inviting event space that harmonizes the two buildings while integrating seamlessly with the local architecture.
Once a dominating brutalist entity, the original Quelle department store’s essence has been preserved, highlighting its monumental concrete structure that spans up to 24 meters. The retention of this structural integrity not only enhances aesthetic appeal but also significantly lowers the project’s CO₂ emissions compared to constructing anew, exemplifying sustainability in urban design.
The area surrounding department stores requires new thinking to adapt public spaces and reinvent urban landscapes. The redevelopment of “Kalle Neukölln” involved collaboration with local authorities, ensuring the integration of usage models and community-focused solutions. Max Dudler orchestrated the architectural enhancements, while Aukett + Heese supervised the interiors.
Accommodating a diverse range of events, “Kalle Neukölln” shines as a venue fostering connections with local entities, such as the “48h Neukölln” art festival. Its eclectic roster of tenants, which includes CODE University of Applied Sciences, SoundCloud, Rough Trade, and various flexible offices, illustrates the unique offerings that make this new hub a vibrant addition to Berlin’s urban landscape.
The “Kalle Neukölln” project revitalizes the former Quelle department store in Berlin into a creative hub, emphasising sustainability and urban renewal. Spanning 40,000 m², it features office spaces, retail, gardens, and a market hall. Designed by Max Dudler, it preserves the original structure while fostering community engagement and collaboration. The project highlights the inventive use of urban spaces and the importance of cooperation with local stakeholders.
The “Kalle Neukölln” revitalization stands as a beacon of sustainable urban repurposing in Berlin. By merging history with contemporary design, it not only preserves the essence of the original structure but also fosters a renewed sense of community interaction and cultural integration. This project exemplifies how to creatively rejuvenate urban spaces while effectively addressing social and environmental needs, paving the way for future developments in similar neglected areas.
Original Source: www.archdaily.com
