Crematorium Berlin-Baumschulenweg Berlin

The Berlin-Baumschulenweg Crematorium is neither a building …

… committed to only one religion, nor one where only funeral services take place. It is so much more; a sacred place that invites contemplation on life and death, on grief and confidence. And as such, it is one of Berlin’s most unusual spatial creations. But despite – or perhaps because of – the sober, modern appearance, the renovation of the administrative area was based on an equally modern classic of textile flooring: PERLON RIPS LCS PLAIN by ANKER.

As a simple, jointless, ten-meter high cuboid, the building – designed by Schultes Frank Architekten in 1999 – presents itself with a strikingly articulated and exposed concrete facade. In it, deeply recessed and protruding spaces alternate, creating a palpable tension between inside and outside. Colorful accents are set only by the dark green metal lattice slats in front of the window fronts, which – depending on the angle of incidence – let the light in at varying degrees of intensity.

The center of the building is formed by an imposing hall, in which the skilful use of light and shadow offers and enables ever new spatial impressions. In the planning phase, the architects were inspired by ancient Egyptian temples, as well as by the image of the “campo stellae” – the expanse of stars that pointed the way to the tomb of the Apostle James – with the aim of creating a balance between the ephemeral and the ultimate.