Kühlturm

Gazing up at this colossal structure, wouldn’t you agree that the Kühkturm possesses an unusual beauty? The Kühkturm, once a vital part of the VEB Kühlautomat factory, stands as a stark reminder of Johannisthal’s industrial past. This cooling tower, reaching a height of 100 meters, silently witnessed the rise and fall of industries tied to flight. Originally part of the Rumpler-Werke aircraft factory before World War I, the site later housed the Ambi-Budd Presswerk. After World War II, during the DDR era, the VEB Kühlautomat took over, producing cooling systems and refrigerators. Imagine the hum of machinery and the bustle of workers within these now empty halls. The factory employed around 1,000 people in 1957, peaking at 2,800 workers at its height. After the fall of the Berlin Wall, the factory became Kühlautomat Berlin GmbH until 1994 when it was acquired by the GEA Group. By 1996, the factory was deserted, leaving the Kühkturm and surrounding buildings to face decay and vandalism. Even a large fire in late May couldn’t entirely erase the Kühkturm’s imposing presence. A light installation during the “Long Night of Sciences” on June 17, 2023, illuminated the iconic Kühkturm, highlighting its place in Berlin’s industrial heritage. Though plans for a new city district threaten its existence, the Kühkturm, for now, remains a testament to Johannisthal’s evolving story.