Built on the banks of the Spree river in Friedrichshain between 1907 and 1913, the Speicherhaus was once part of Berlin’s East Harbor. At the turn of the millennium, it was converted into an office building with recording studios and archives for the film industry. In 2004, it became the headquarters of MTV Germany.
The facade was restored in line with the guidelines for heritage preservation, and the historic industrial character of the architecture was preserved. To make space for offices, two additional floors were inserted into the existing interior volume. The staircases were expanded, and two elevator systems were installed.
In 2021, JSWD moved into the upper floors of the building’s west wing. The spacious, open office environment offers our team room for creative work with opportunities for ongoing exchange. The 20-meter-high self-supporting steel framework structure and the open space reaching up to the roof preserve the listed building’s loft-like character. The custom furniture designed by JSWD also underscores this effect.
The gallery floor is home to a lounge area for breaks and events. This is also where the “JSWD kiosk” – an exhibit from the 2021 “ALL SCALES” exhibition at the Architektur Galerie Berlin – is displayed.
The only closed-off rooms are for meetings and administration, as well as the kitchen and toilets. The large windows offer views of the Spree and the vibrant city of Berlin. Skylights in the roof let in even more natural light.
Photos: Jan Bitter, Till Budde