Project Ku'damm-Karrée in Berlin by David Chipperfield

British architect David Chipperfield will attempt to economically revive the once-famous Kurfürstendamm in West Berlin with his urban design. His project involves creating a new ten-meter-wide street inserted into the existing city block. The newly created passageway within the block is terminated by a high-rise building. Both historically protected theater halls that are part of the new complex are to be either relocated within the complex or possibly demolished. The Ku'damm-Karrée forms a collection of buildings in the block defined by the streets Kurfürstendamm, Uhlandstrasse, Lietzenburger Strasse, and Knesebeckstrasse. The commercial and administrative center was established in 1974 and became famous due to a scandal involving architect and construction entrepreneur Sigrid Kressmann-Zschach, who acquired several plots, built a high-rise with a system of passageways and several entrances within the block, but no access from the street. A part of the land adjacent to Kurfürstendamm contains two theater halls from the early 1920s, which are not visible from the street at all. Max Reinhardt used to perform in this hall, and today one of Berlin's most popular theaters is located here. Residents would be pleased if both stages could be preserved. However, the investor wants to demolish both halls to increase revenue from the properties on Kurfürstendamm. In 2007, the original designer was replaced by David Chipperfield. His proposal also did not succeed in preserving the theater halls in their original location. One of them is to be relocated within the complex to Uhlandstrasse, and the second hall will either be completely demolished or, at most, replaced by a significantly smaller theater hall. Until now, there has been an agreement with local politicians that at least one hall will be preserved on the site. The newly designed passageway aims to attract new visitors to the interior block. The high-rise building with an unremarkable stone façade from 1995 is to gain a new identity thanks to Chipperfield. A square named after Max Reinhardt, measuring 80x30m, is proposed between Uhlandstrasse and the high-rise. The building authority is expected to decide on the new zoning plan later this year so that the project can begin realization next year.

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