Living Archive: Repurposing Berlin's Industrial Heritage for Techno Culture
Office ParkScheerbarth transforms a former East Berlin power station basement into a cultural archive.
1Industrial Basement Transformation
Office ParkScheerbarth has successfully converted 3,400 square meters of previously inaccessible basement space beneath a former East Berlin power station. This ambitious project marks the first time these industrial subterranean areas have opened to the public. The site serves as a permanent home for the Living Archive of techno culture.
2Collaborative Cultural Vision
The project originated from a concept developed by studio leads Moojin Park and Benjamin Scheerbarth in collaboration with Tresor founder Dimitri Hegemann. Hegemann first announced the vision for a permanent techno archive in 2015. This 2026 completion realizes that decade-long ambition by providing a dedicated physical space for electronic music history.
3Materiality and Adaptive Reuse
The architectural approach emphasizes adaptive reuse, prioritizing the preservation of the existing industrial shell. During the exhibition phase, the design team utilized materials supplied directly by the building itself to construct the interior elements. This strategy minimizes waste while maintaining the raw, authentic aesthetic associated with Berlin's historic techno club scene.
4Dancefloors After 1989 Exhibition
The space underwent a full-scale operational test during the five-week run of the exhibition titled Dancefloors After 1989. This event served as a practical proof-of-concept for the archive's functionality and visitor flow. The studio managed all necessary permitting and interior design requirements to ensure the basement met modern public safety standards.
5Technical Engineering Integration
Engineering consulting services were provided by hhp Berlin to ensure the structural integrity of the subterranean environment. Lighting design, a critical component for museum interiors, was managed by Lars Murasch. These technical interventions were essential to transform a dark, unused power station basement into a viable, climate-controlled space for public exhibitions.
6Cultural Heritage Preservation
By housing the Living Archive within a former power station, the project bridges the gap between East Berlin's industrial past and its global reputation as a techno capital. The location is symbolic, grounding the ephemeral nature of electronic music culture in the physical remnants of the city's post-reunification industrial landscape.
7Project Scope and Scale
Spanning 3,400 square meters, the project represents a significant investment in cultural infrastructure. The scale allows for comprehensive archival storage alongside immersive exhibition galleries. This dual-purpose design ensures that the archive functions as both a research facility for historians and an engaging destination for the general public visiting Berlin.
8Future of Industrial Spaces
This project establishes a precedent for repurposing abandoned industrial infrastructure into specialized cultural venues. By focusing on the specific needs of techno culture, Office ParkScheerbarth demonstrates how architecture can facilitate the preservation of intangible heritage. Future developments will likely look to this model for balancing historic preservation with contemporary exhibition requirements.