Fire Station and Police Station in Berlin

Situated on an area of wasteland on the River Spree, the new complex is built against the fire-resisting wall of an existing structure, the single-bay layout of which is integrated into the new development to form a common circulation zone. A layer of panel-like elements is drawn over the face of the new building, creating a striking contrast to the dull, heavy existing brick structure. This reflecting glass skin comprises an exciting composition of intense red and green tones – red representing the fire station, green the police station. Over the window areas are louvres that can be opened individually. These serve primarily as a means of sunshading. The lightfast, permanent colours screen-printed on their rear faces tinge the white internal spaces when thelouvres are closed. When they are open, the walls have a more neutral coloration.