Viktoriaspeicher Quarter Berlin

A sustainable urban quarter centred around the Viktoriaspeicher in Berlin-Kreuzberg, comprising 1,000 dwellings, commercial space, crafts and production, cultural uses and social infrastructure.

Winning entry in the 2026 urban design workshop process
Client: BEHALA, WBM Wohnungsbaugesellschaft Berlin-Mitte

Team: Armin Behles, Bent Gerstenberger, Jasper Jochimsen, Beyza Öztürk, Bela Schwier, Simon Stahnke
Landscape architecture: Weidinger, Berlin
Model: Maquette, Berlin
Aerial view: Apple Maps

CITY PARK RIVER

Four perimeter blocks re-establish Lenné’s spatial figure at Schillingbrücke and define the urban edge along Köpenicker Straße, forming a robust framework for the future site development. The compact, climate-responsive quarter is organised around a generous, publicly accessible and landscaped open space along the River Spree. The Viktoriaspeicher, divides this space into two unequal parts: to the north-west, the warehouse and the opposing high-rise frame the “Urban Green”. To the south-east, between the warehouse and the terraced new building on the neighbouring plot, the “Spree Window” is created, featuring the “Spree Balcony”. A narrow lane aligns with the gable end of the warehouse, making it perceptible from Köpenicker Straße.

The block structure establishes a clear distinction between public open spaces and private “climate courtyards”. The first and largest block encloses a two-storey nursery. At Schillingbrücke, the development follows the historic urban layout, with buildings stepping up in response to the topography.

In terms of scale, the warehouse sets the rhythm for the new buildings. The blocks are subdivided into manageable buildings with staircase access. While narrower plots line the lanes, the buildings along the park and Köpenicker Straße extend across the full depth of the block and are articulated by gables that reference the Viktoriaspeicher.

A high-rise marks the quarter within the wider urban context and forms a counterpart to the Viktoriaspeicher. Its entrance is defined by a double-height colonnade. The lower section accommodates residential units, with offices above. At the top, a bar with a viewing terrace provides panoramic views.

The south-eastern block accommodates a local supermarket at ground floor level. Above are parking decks forming part of a mobility hub, which can later be converted into housing. For this purpose, the ramp can be removed, creating a central courtyard. Commercial and urban production spaces are located on the setback storey as well as in the northern appendix.

Active ground-floor uses line Köpenicker Straße as well as the park, the Spree Window and the promenade. Along the quieter lanes, raised ground-floor dwellings are provided.

Through the multi-coding of spaces and the integration of movement within the public realm, the design creates a low-car, pedestrian-friendly neighbourhood. Vehicular-accessible lanes form the “ground layer” of the quarter, paved with reclaimed large-format stone setts. Green patches structure and soften the paving, opening it to the soil beneath. These patches incorporate seating, drinking fountains and play elements. The “Urban Green” integrates lawns, playgrounds and evapotranspiration and infiltration basins as part of a blue-green infrastructure. To the north, stepped seating faces the Spree. At the “Spree Window”, a “Spree Balcony” forms a prominent feature along the riverside promenade. A ground inlay between Köpenicker Straße and the Viktoriaspeicher references the history of Kreuzberg’s warehouses and river harbours. The façades along the lanes connecting to the southern neighbourhoods are designed with vertical greening.

Particular emphasis is placed on improving the microclimate. The lanes between the compact courtyard blocks enable air exchange between the Spree and Köpenicker Straße. Permeable surfaces in the public realm and biodiverse planted rainwater swales increase the proportion of unsealed ground. Tree planting is integrated with rainwater management. The majority of rainwater is retained on the roofs, where retention systems are combined with biodiverse green roofs and photovoltaic panels. Remaining runoff is directed into retention basins and irrigation cisterns within the “climate courtyards”. The façades within the lanes and courtyards are also greened.