The German Technology Museum in Berlin has officially announced the selection of querkraft architekten from Vienna to design and build its new entrance building. The Austrian firm was awarded the general planning contract through a negotiation process conducted by BIM Berlin Real Estate Management, despite not winning the original design competition.
The project represents a significant development for the museum, which is located at Gleisdreieck Park. In late 2023, a Europe-wide design competition was concluded for this prominent architectural project, which attracted attention when one proposal suggested planting a forest instead of constructing a new building. However, the subsequent negotiation process led to an unexpected outcome.
Querkraft architekten, working in partnership with Werner Sobek AG from Stuttgart, Gebäudetechnik Kainer from Rattersdorf, and Green4Cities from Vienna, will implement their second-place design rather than the winning proposal by Innauer Matt Architekten. According to BIM, the Vienna-based team's proposal stood out not only for its architectural quality but also for its functional and sustainable aspects.
Museum Director Joachim Breuninger expressed enthusiasm for the selected design, describing it as "a gateway to technology" that will provide "a real eye-catcher with its architectural gesture of outstretched arms." The planned structure by querkraft encompasses three distinct arms that are conceived as a joint connecting the museum's multiple buildings distributed across the site.
One of the three arms will integrate existing rear buildings with new functions including a café and shop. The two front arms create the most striking visual elements, running parallel to Tempelhofer Ufer and forming a substantial bridge between the imperial-era old building and the main building constructed in 2001. This design creates a spatial connection that has been long needed for the museum's operations.
Breuninger emphasized the practical benefits of the new entrance, noting that it will finally provide adequate space for the museum's more than 700,000 annual visitors. The design also includes a walkable rooftop park, adding another layer of public amenities to the facility. The entrance building will serve as a crucial organizational element for the museum complex.
The original first-place design by Innauer Matt Architekten, which featured an elongated structure resembling a tall hat, will not be built. When contacted by BauNetz, the Bezau-based firm explained that they withdrew their offer because they could not accept certain contractual clauses imposed by the client. This decision opened the door for the second-place design to be implemented.
BIM has not released updated cost information for the project, maintaining the original budget of 19.5 million euros gross for construction categories 300-500. The German Technology Museum does not expect completion before 2030, indicating a lengthy development and construction timeline ahead. The project represents a major investment in Berlin's cultural infrastructure and museum accessibility.
