The intervention at the Grenzhafen Berlin is carried out with respect for the historical substance – the harbor and its surroundings – and is understood as a careful addition within the monument ensemble near the former border. Along the Grenzsteg, a path of history will be created, in which the walkway itself becomes the most important exhibit of the spatial narrative. The historic pier structure will remain untouched in its authenticity, preserved as a historical testimony of a divided Berlin, and complemented by a museum, museum ships, and a marina.
In the alignment of Eichenstraße, the main pavilion of the newly created ensemble will be built, adjoining the Grenzsteg. Access to the roof of the main pavilion will be provided by ramps reminiscent of landing bridges. The roof, with its floating topography and gentle incline, will extend slightly over the Spree and offer a public space with picturesque views across the river.
From this plaza, visitors enter an entrance foyer, from which a wide, representative staircase with large landings leads down to the pavilion at water level. This staged descent allows visitors to immerse themselves in the historical setting and creates distance from the city, allowing the contemplative space to be experienced without disturbance. The proximity to the water and the mirrored ceiling create a unique atmosphere through the play of light and reflections. The exhibition thus enables an intimate, sensory experience in which filtered light, muted water sounds, and framed views offer an introspective narrative.
From the main pavilion, floating pontoon structures run parallel to the Grenzsteg and lead to the memorial pavilion west of the main pavilion. The historical path thus taken by visitors provides immediate proximity to the historic pier structure. The Grenzsteg itself becomes the most important exhibition object as a guiding element along the way. At the same time, the open visual connections to the Osthafen on one side, to the ABOAG depot (as part of the border fortification) on the other, and to the Oberbaumbrücke in the alignment of the Grenzsteg preserve and make the historical context tangible.
East of the main pavilion, the focus lies on the history of inland navigation, which is presented in museum ships. The engagement with historical inland navigation is complemented by the old harbor buildings, which are now home mainly to companies in the media and creative industries. Together with the Badeschiff, the MS Hoppetosse, and the Molecule Man, these uses lend the area once shaped by the border strip a new, vibrant diversity. The lively ensemble along the Grenzsteg is completed by a marina with berths for smaller sport boats.
Analogous to the Badeschiff, the built structures will be realized as steel constructions with selective anchoring to the riverbed of the Spree. The architectural concept focuses on restraint and durability: modular, floating structures, transparent forms, and long-lasting materials integrate respectfully into the river space.
