Koolhaas-Haus am Checkpoint Charlie

Welcome to the Wohnhaus am Checkpoint Charlie, a mixed-use building located at Friedrichstraße 207/208 in the Kreuzberg district of Berlin. This building was constructed as part of the International Building Exhibition in 1987 and is considered one of the early works of the Rotterdam-based architecture firm OMA. The building was designed by Greek architect Ilias Zengelis and the Office for Metropolitan Architecture (OMA) and was completed in 1990. The construction began in 1987. It is situated in close proximity to Checkpoint Charlie, a former border crossing between East and West Berlin that was created by the construction of the Berlin Wall. The House at Checkpoint Charlie was, for a long time, the only realized project of OMA in Berlin, alongside the Dutch Embassy. However, with the completion of the Springer Campus in 2020, another building has been added just a few hundred meters away. Rem Koolhaas was significantly involved in the conceptual framework of the project during an earlier competition, but he later declined further work for the IBA due to a lack of agreement with their objectives. The concrete planning of the building was eventually carried out by Zengelis and Matthias Sauerbruch, who acted as the contact architect. From the beginning, a mixed-use concept was planned for the building, which still exists today in a modified form. As a tourist guide, you may be interested in visiting this unique building and learning more about its history and design. The Wohnhaus am Checkpoint Charlie is a great example of modern architecture and urban planning, and it offers visitors a glimpse into the innovative ideas of OMA and its architects. When you visit the building, you will notice its striking facade, which features a combination of glass and steel elements. The interior of the building is equally impressive, with spacious rooms and open floor plans that allow for flexible use. One of the most interesting aspects of the building is its location near Checkpoint Charlie. This former border crossing is now a popular tourist attraction, and visitors can learn about the history of the Berlin Wall and the division of the city during the Cold War. Overall, the Wohnhaus am Checkpoint Charlie is a must-see destination for anyone interested in modern architecture and urban planning. Its unique design and historical significance make it a fascinating place to visit, and it offers a glimpse into the innovative ideas of OMA and its architects.

Location: Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg

Architects: Rem Koolhaas, Office for Metropolitan Architecture

Source: Wikimedia