German Bundestag, Berlin

The new complex for the german parliament combines modern architecture with functional design and blends harmoniously into the cityscape. The building is open to the public and allows views into the political center. Its transparent architecture creates visual relationships from the inside to the outside and vice versa, promoting dialog between citizens and politicians and making the building an integral part of the city.

Architecturally, the Luisenblock sees itself as a mediating structure between the strict framework of the Berlin Bundesband ensemble and the historical axis, which is defined by the listed boiler house and the workshop building. The deliberate geometric deviation of the design marks a natural conclusion to the Bundesband. The front edge of the roof ring is based on the roof edge of the MELH and interprets the material of the adjacent concrete building in a new form. This design harmonizes the heterogeneous block structure of the surroundings with the monumental large form of the Bundesband.

Inside the Luisenblock, component B/C houses the offices of the staff of the German Bundestag. A well thought-out structure with inner courtyards and bridges ensures good lighting and orientation. Component A houses the committee meeting rooms, which achieve a special spatial effect thanks to a column-free supporting structure. The design uses transparent elements to make the building complex open and accessible to the public and to blur the boundaries between public space and political working areas.

The energy concept of the Luisenblock is geared towards sustainability and energy efficiency. A double façade encloses the building and ensures natural ventilation. The 60 cm wide space between the primary and secondary façades serves as a maintenance corridor and eliminates the need for a maintenance system. The thermal buffer space between the façades significantly reduces energy consumption. Mechanical ventilation is only used in the work areas and meeting rooms marked in yellow. Component B/C is also ventilated mechanically, with each office equipped with windows that can be opened individually.

Heat is supplied by a combination of district heating, deep geothermal energy and heat pumps. Photovoltaic systems on roofs and façades supplement the energy supply and help to reduce energy requirements. The carefully planned technical structure ensures efficient and sustainable operation of the building.

The Luisenblock is not only a functional office building, but also an architectural symbol of transparency and sustainability. With its open design and well thought-out energy concept, it offers a modern and flexible workspace for political players and an accessible place for the public.