Beyond the Blueprints: Improving the Kulturbahnhof During Construction

Most people think architecture ends once construction starts. The drawings are complete, the permits are issued, and from that point on, it is only about execution.

But this project didn’t unfold that effortlessly.

Construction began soon after we joined the Kulturbahnhof Hohen Neuendorf project. The station’s transformation into a cultural center had already been set in motion, leaving only a short timeframe to develop and coordinate the design during construction.

Our role as Archiformus was primarily to manage the construction works on site.

Kulturbahnhof: The old section that was renovated, and a new section that was added.

Kulturbahnhof: Area Program

But once work begins on site, new possibilities and new problems can always emerge.

Instead of treating the design as fixed, we looked for areas where the concept could still be improved. This blog outlines how we intervened along the way.

Creating a More Open Event Hall

One of the biggest concerns was the future event space. Earlier structural decisions would have left the hall interrupted by several columns, making the space feel more restricted than intended.

Together with the structural engineers, we revisited the load bearing strategy during construction itself. By introducing additional steel support in key areas, we were able to reduce the number of visible columns and create a cleaner, more flexible hall for future events and public use.

The difference may seem subtle on paper, but spatially, it changed the feeling of the room completely.

Keeping the Ceiling Height Intact

In renovation projects, technical systems often become a compromise. Ventilation ducts, piping, and services usually end up hidden behind suspended ceilings, which can quickly reduce room height and make older buildings feel compressed.

We decided against that approach.

Instead, the ventilation systems were left exposed and integrated into the character of the interior. This allowed us to preserve ceiling heights of up to 2.50 meters while also keeping some of the building’s industrial atmosphere visible.

Sometimes technical elements do not need to disappear. They can become part of the architecture itself.

Integrating the Automated Library System

The new library included an automated book return system, which needed to be integrated into an already finalized facade design.

Rather than attaching it as a visible technical addition, we modified one of the existing blind window openings and integrated the system directly into the building envelope. That way, the intervention felt quieter and more natural within the historic structure.

Improving Energy Performance in a Historic Building

A large part of renovation work happens in details most people never notice.

For the Kulturbahnhof, this included coordinating interior calcium silicate insulation, geothermal systems, and other technical measures needed to meet current energy requirements while respecting the historic building fabric.

These decisions are less visible than finishes or materials, but they play a major role in how the building performs in the long term.

Small Technical Decisions That Made a Difference

Some of the most useful improvements were relatively small.

After reviewing the actual operational needs of the planned bistro, we determined that a grease trap was unnecessary, which reduced both cost and complexity.

We also coordinated the positioning of 12 photovoltaic panels on the roof so the additional load remained within structural limits while still supporting the project’s sustainability goals.

Inside the public areas, several visible pipe enclosures were removed from the plans to keep the interiors visually cleaner and more open.

A Project Can Still Evolve During Construction

The Kulturbahnhof project reminded us that construction does not have to mean the end of architectural thinking.

Even after approvals are complete and work has started on site, there is still room to improve spaces, solve problems more carefully, and refine how a building will ultimately be experienced.

For us, architecture is not only about producing drawings or concepts. It is also about staying involved long enough to make better decisions when the project becomes real.