Renovated building with historic facade and modern glass extension, garden with green chairs and trees.

A renovated building with a historic facade and modern glass extension, surrounded by a garden with green chairs and trees.

A modern building with large glass windows is situated among tall trees with autumn foliage.
A large, open interior space with high ceilings, featuring exposed brick walls with remnants of old plaster and graffiti. The floor is smooth and reflective, and a linear light fixture is suspended from the dark ceiling.
A spacious interior with a polished concrete floor and ceiling, featuring a series of large, weathered columns.
Interior view of a partially renovated space with exposed brick walls and a concrete floor. There are visible structural elements and some wooden panels.
Interior view of a construction site with scaffolding against a worn brick wall.
Interior view of a construction site inside a large room with scaffolding and exposed brick walls.
An interior view of a brick wall with a prominent vertical steel beam and scaffolding on the left.
Close-up view of a rusted metal beam against a brick wall.
An interior view of a construction site with exposed brick walls featuring graffiti, scaffolding, and construction materials.
A construction site with a partially covered building facade, construction materials, and equipment.
A construction site with a partially covered exterior wall featuring large windows covered with protective sheets. The ground is unfinished, and a ladder is leaning against a brick wall.
Scaffolding set up against a brick wall, indicating construction or renovation work.
A building under construction with scaffolding and brickwork visible.
A construction site with partially built brick walls, surrounded by trees and temporary fencing.
An exterior view of a partially constructed building with exposed brick walls and concrete elements. There are steps leading up to an entrance, and the surrounding area includes some greenery and an older brick structure.
A construction site showing partially built brick walls with wooden beams and scaffolding.
Interior view of a construction site with exposed brick walls, a wooden ceiling, and a partially constructed area.
An unfinished interior space with exposed brick walls, a concrete floor, and large windows. There are temporary support poles and construction materials visible.
Interior view of a staircase with perforated metal panels and structural beams.
Interior view of a construction space with exposed wooden beams and metal supports.
Interior view of a construction site with scaffolding and a wheelbarrow.
Interior view of a large, empty room with exposed brick columns and a concrete ceiling.
An interior view of a large, open space with concrete floors and exposed brick walls. Several structural columns are visible, some with exposed brick and others with a rough concrete finish. The ceiling is plain with hanging light fixtures.

Story

Transformation of a historic ballroom into a contemporary gallery space David Chipperfield Architects have undertaken the sensitive task of converting a former ballroom in Berlin into a modern gallery. The project introduces a new annex, seamlessly integrating contemporary design with historic architecture. The original ballroom's grandeur is preserved, with its high ceilings and expansive spaces providing a dramatic backdrop for art exhibitions. The annex adds a modern touch, utilizing minimalist design principles and materials that contrast yet complement the historic fabric.

## Design Highlights

Preservation of the ballroom's historic elements, including high ceilings and spatial volumes. A new annex that introduces modern architectural language. Use of minimalist materials to create a dialogue between old and new. Enhanced natural lighting to highlight art installations.

## Key Facts

Detail Description
Location Berlin, Germany
Architect David Chipperfield Architects
Original Use Ballroom
New Use Gallery

Technical Summary

Finishes

  • flooring: Smooth and reflective concrete floors.
  • walls: Exposed brick walls with remnants of old plaster and graffiti.

Materials

  • brick — Used for walls and structural columns.
  • concrete — Used for floors and some structural elements.
  • glass — Used for large windows in the modern extension.
  • metal — Used for scaffolding and structural beams.
  • wood — Used for beams and some interior elements.

Construction / Systems

  • structural: Combination of brick and concrete structural elements with metal supports.

Products

  • Not specified

Palette / Lighting

  • Colors: brick red, concrete gray
  • Lighting: Industrial lighting with linear fixtures and natural light from large windows.

Similar projects

More galleries & exhibition spaces

Projects by the architect

View David Chipperfield Architects