Schauhallen is to be erected on a historical location: here, Emil Rathenau founded the company seat of AEG at the beginning of the 20 century and thus made Schöneweide the world’s biggest site for electrotechnology.
Leading architects created a network of industrial and residential buildings unique in Europe, still preserved in their rare diversity. These buildings, of the so-called “foundation time”, maintain their impressive historical ambiance while inviting multiple new uses.
Schöneweide is approximately 15 minutes away from the new Central Station, on a highway axis to Berlin’s future main airport. It is conveniently connected to public transport and has the use of its own pier.
From industrial site to vivid city district
This striking industrial area of Schöneweide extends over three kilometers on both sides of the Spree. Until the German reunification in 1990, up to 35,000 people used to work here.
Its production halls, industrialists villas, cranes and open spaces form an ensemble meanwhile ranked as „Gesamtkunstwerk“ by Berlin’s highest conservationist.
Where once cable drums contributed to the industrial prosperity of various German political systems – from empire to GDR – today’s empty buildings are a proof of how difficult it is to find a meaningful, modern use for the industrial cathedrals of times gone by.
Space for well-designed and functional buildings, spacious, light rooms, and a marvellous view of the Spree with it – Schöneweide’s qualities are convincing artists and creative people who already work in the generous studios. Through their exhibitions and projects, you can witness how well the historical industrial atmosphere goes along with creative work, from plastic art to concerts and design presentations.
The Cable factory turns into a modern Campus
The most important impulse for Schönweide’s development is the move in of Berlin’s biggest and versatile technical college [of higher education?] for business and technology.
6,000 students will fill the listed/preserved factory buildings by 2010. The old halls on the Spree turn into lecture halls, laboratories and workshops.
The innovative companies in the neighborhood will then be supported by skilled graduates of the 40 different courses offered.The highly modern technology centre „Spreeknie“ is available for new foundations of companies.With this college, Schöneweide will get an urban aura with cafés, galleries and street life.
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