A question arises as we stand before the Osram-Höfe. How did this building become one of Europe’s largest light bulb factories? Let’s step back in time. We will explore the history and transformation of this remarkable place.
The Osram-Höfe is a landmarked building complex. It is located in Berlin’s Wedding district. Production of the first light bulbs in Germany started here in 1904. This happened on the former factory premises of Bergmann-Electricitäts-Werke AG.
Sigmund Bergmann co-developed the light bulb with Thomas Alva Edison in 1879. The light bulb was a sensation at the Paris Electricity Exhibition in 1881. Bergmann recognized the potential of the developing electric industry in Berlin.
Bergmann founded Sigmund Bergmann & Co. in 1891. This company initially produced similar items to his New York business. In 1893, the company transformed into Bergmann Electricitäts-Werke AG. From 1904, it manufactured the Bergmann metal filament lamp. New facilities were constructed on the site of today’s Osram-Höfe.
The light bulb factory comprised multi-story factory buildings. These buildings were constructed in phases between 1904 and 1910. Their yellow clinker facade created a unified appearance. By 1910, the factory produced 16,000 metal filament lamps daily. Bergmann’s company became one of the largest employers in the district. At its peak, it employed 5,500 people. Additional buildings were added from 1912 to 1914.
Before World War I, light bulb production grew rapidly. Carl Auer von Welsbach created the trademark OSRAM in 1905. It was a portmanteau of osmium and tungsten. These metals were used for filaments due to their high melting points. In 1935, Osram acquired the light bulb factory of Bergmann-Electricitäts-Werke AG. It was renamed Osram-Werk B. Between 1936 and 1937, Werk B was expanded.
In 1988, much of the lamp production moved to Siemensstadt. This ended light bulb production in the present-day Osram-Höfe. The buildings became listed historical monuments. Carrée Seestraße GbR took over the property. Today, over 3,000 people work here. They are employed in about 60 different businesses. These include a food discounter, the Beuth University of Applied Sciences Berlin and a police station.
Hermann Enders designed the five-story factory buildings. They blend into the surrounding residential area. The steel skeleton construction allowed column-free factory halls with large windows. The brick facade created a uniform appearance. Richard Schirop designed the administration and laboratory building. It was completed in 1910. Waldemar Pattri contributed to Building 7 in 1936–1937.
The Osram-Höfe stand as a testament to Berlin’s industrial history. They also show its capacity for reinvention. The buildings remind us of the innovation and labor that shaped this city. Today, the Osram-Höfe continue to evolve. They now house a diverse mix of businesses and institutions. They are a vibrant hub of commerce and community.