Renovation, conversion and extension of the Bernhard-Lichtenberg-Haus, part of the Catholic Forum Saint Hedwig Mitte in Berlin. The old building is to be carefully renovated, and the 60’s extension is being replaced by a new building containing event spaces, lecture halls, offices and outreach spaces along with residential apartments.
Together with Saint Hedwig's Cathedral, the Bernhard Lichtenberg House will enclose a sequence of public urban spaces. The new building steps back slightly from the old one, generating an opening toward Französische Strasse and giving the cathedral a stronger presence. Together with the old building and Saint Hedwig's Cathedral they form a newly coherent urban ensemble.
The new architecture follows a modern interpretation of its neoclassical neighbour. The natural stone façade takes its rhythm from the window openings of the old building, providing the side street leading to Bebelplatz with a new quality. Along the north facade, a colonnade welcomes visitors arriving from Bebelplatz, guiding them toward the forum, bookstore and a public café.
