Sofitel Gendarmenmarkt, Berlin

The Gendarmenmarkt in Berlin is a place with history, just like the building which is today the Sofitel. The concrete-slab building, constructed in 1981, served as a Party-political education centre in DDR times and was reconfigured by us into a hotel.

The building, under a protection order, was completely gutted so that the skeleton support structure which was left remained visible. The modern interior design displays clear interfaces with the historical existence of the building, and emphasizes it though a contemporary styling. In the rooms, playful elements such as coloured light, ruched textiles and a pull-cord operated chiming-clock form part of the design. Transparent dividing walls between the bedroom and bathroom create the impression of open space.

To us, the success of the Sofitel am Gendarmenmarkt was in making it possible to experience history and contemporary spirit at the same time, thereby appealing particularly to a culture-oriented target-group.