Building on What Exists

A new piece of city is emerging on Berlin’s »Drago­ner­areal«. Set between listed historic buildings, estab­lished open spaces, and evolving forms of living and working, the design develops an ensemble that makes history legible while carrying it forward in a contem­porary way. The »Drago­ner­areal« is not reshaped or overwritten, but continued, as an urban quarter in Berlin that connects memory, everyday life, and future develo­pment.

The historic buildings remain the defining elements of the ensemble. Their scale, structure, and materiality establish the framework for the new additions. The new buildings deliberately take a subor­dinate role, aligning with existing building lines, heights, and rhythms, and extending the fabric with precision. The result is an urban compo­sition that does not set old and new in opposition, but interlocks them, a careful and considered contri­bution to urban develo­pment in Berlin-Kreuzberg.

The new buildings follow the logic of the site and the guide­lines of the develo­pment plan. They respect existing sight­lines, pathways, and spatial edges, reinforcing the clear structure of the quarter. Courtyards, plazas, and transi­tional spaces emerge between the buildings, opening up the site and creating permea­bility. In this way, the »Drago­ner­areal« becomes an integrated part of the surrounding city, connected, legible, and acces­sible.

Integrated into the Urban Fabric

Lageplan des Dragonerareals in Berlin. Die neuen Gebäude sind in schwarz gekennzeichnet, die restliche Umgebung in verschiedenen Grautönen.
Erdgeschoss Grundriss des Dragonerareals in Berlin. Auf der architektonischen Zeichnung erkennt man verschiedene Wohnräume.

Facades Between Indus­trial Heritage and Residential Life

The façades draw on the site’s indus­trial heritage while inter­preting it in a contem­porary way. A calm compo­sition, balanced window propor­tions, and a clear façade grid define the visual character. Balconies, loggias, and layered exterior spaces add depth and indivi­duality. Floor-to-ceiling windows ensure high-quality living spaces and a strong connection between interior and city.

Materials such as steel, corru­gated metal, and robust metal finishes reference the site’s history as an indus­trial and barracks area. At the same time, precise detailing, modern construction methods, and a restrained color palette create elegance and durability. Greened façades enhance the micro­climate while linking archi­tecture and open space.

Ground-Floor Zone as Public Space

The ground floor forms the interface between the public city and private living. Commercial spaces, studios, and communal uses open onto the square, activating the quarter. Trans­parent façades provide visual connec­tions and encourage social inter­action. A robust urban base gives the buildings presence and clearly defined addresses. Entrances are oriented toward the central open spaces, reinforcing the quarter’s identity.

Construction – Robust, Flexible, Sustainable

The construction approach combines durability with adapta­bility. A solid base supports modular upper floors built in a skeletal framework. Prefa­bri­cated floor elements reduce both resource consumption and construction time. Exterior walls made of timber elements improve the building’s carbon footprint and engage in a deliberate dialogue with the indus­trial character of the façades. Sustainable design is not an add-on, but an integral part of the archi­tecture.

Access and Mobility

A central square organizes arrival and orien­tation within the quarter. Pathways are clear, legible, and fully acces­sible. Residential units, commercial spaces, and studios each have their own dedicated entrances. A bicycle ramp and generous bike storage facilities promote sustainable mobility, aligning with the urban lifestyle of inner-city Berlin.

Piktogram des Sockels des Dragonerareals in Berlin. Das Erdgeschoss ist ein Ort des Zusammenkommend. Auf dem Bild sieht man viele verschiedene Menschen die unterschiedliche Sachen machen.
Axometrie des Dragonerareals in Berlin. Architektonische Zeichnung von den neuen Gebäuden und wie sie sich in die Umgebung einschließen.

The residential offering in the »Drago­ner­areal« is diverse: compact apart­ments, family units, and cluster apart­ments accom­modate a variety of lifestyles. All units feature private outdoor spaces in the form of balconies or loggias and are designed for optimal daylight. Living here is conceived as part of urban life, open and community-oriented, yet offering privacy.

Living in the Drago­ner­areal

Adaptable for the Future

The struc­tural system allows for flexible floor plans and changes in use. Apart­ments can be combined or recon­fi­gured, and commercial spaces adapted. The quarter remains adaptable, able to respond to future needs.

Green façades, retention roofs, and permeable open spaces improve the urban climate in the »Drago­ner­areal«. Rainwater is retained, surfaces are cooled, and biodi­versity is promoted. Archi­tecture, open space, and ecolo­gical systems are integrated, creating a sustainable and livable neigh­borhood in Berlin.

All buildings are fully acces­sible. One- and two-bedroom units are entirely barrier-free, while larger apart­ments are partially designed to accom­modate acces­si­bility needs. In this way, the »Drago­ner­areal« becomes an inclusive residential quarter, supporting a variety of genera­tions and lifestyles.

Acces­si­bility and Inclusion

Architektonischer Schnitt des Projekts Dragonerareal in Berlin. Das Gebäude wird in einer Ostansicht gezeigt.
Location
Berlin
Type
Living
Client
WBM Wohnungs­bau­ge­sell­schaft Berlin-Mitte mbH
Time Frame
2025
Services
Design (1st Prize, Compe­tition)
Status
Concept
Visua­lization
&MICA

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