“Radical aesthetics meet modern working concepts” is the phrase that comes to mind as we approach the Axel-Springer-Passage. This isn’t just a building. It’s a statement.
The Axel-Springer-Passage sits in Berlin’s Kreuzberg district. Its location is in the heart of the former newspaper district. It stands where the inner-German border once ran. The building connects the Axel Springer family in Berlin. It promotes closer networking and better knowledge exchange. The Axel-Springer-Passage architecture symbolizes Axel Springer’s digital transformation.
Designed by Rem Koolhaas of the Office for Metropolitan Architecture, the Axel-Springer-Passage is cube-shaped. Koolhaas won a planning competition against 17 other architectural firms. The building is near the Axel Springer high-rise buildings. A key feature is its 45-meter-high atrium. The facade has tinted glass and structural elements creating a 3D effect.
The Axel-Springer-Passage embodies the integration of East and West Berlin. The futuristic building on Axel-Springer-Strasse is near Checkpoint Charlie. It divides into a north and a south section. The dividing line runs diagonally through the cube. This line marks the former border. A transparent bridge connects both halves. It also runs diagonally through the atrium.
The building makes several statements. Its location in the old newspaper district is a statement. Its proximity to the original Axel Springer high-rise is another. The start of construction on October 6, 2016, was 50 years after the high-rise opened.
The Axel-Springer-Passage has 13 floors. Eleven are above ground and two are below. The complex covers 10,000 square meters. That’s the Lindenpark site. It provides over 52,000 square meters of space. This accommodates offices and editorial departments. There is space for 3,500 employees. The building uses 99,500 square meters of glass. That equals 14 football pitches.
“Die Welt” newspaper and “Welt” TV studio are housed in the new building. The “Welt” newsroom sits on the bridge. It is on the 5th floor. The “Welt TV” newsroom is one floor above. A staircase connects them. This allows quick collaboration.
The Axel-Springer-Passage has a roof open to the public. Employees can use allotment gardens there. There is also a bar planned for the roof. Axel Springer employees were involved in the building’s development. Their ideas and suggestions were considered during planning.
The building’s facade features two flanks. They open in a wedge shape. This creates a huge transparent surface. The design combines aesthetics with modern working concepts. Together with existing buildings, it meets the needs of a digital media company.
Before its completion, the Axel Springer Group sold the building to a Norwegian state fund. Springer became a tenant. The building’s construction involved significant effort. 75,000 cubic meters of earth were removed. The floor slab measures 1.20 meters. Cranes could lift up to 18 tons.
The Axel-Springer-Passage is more than steel and glass. It’s a symbol. It is a symbol for change in media and cooperation. It represents the future of work. It embodies Berlin’s spirit of innovation.