Treptow Crematorium
(7 votes, average: 4.43 out of 5)
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Location:
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kiefholzstrabe 221
Berlin-Treptow [w-5]
Berlin
Germany
coordinates:
52.4595413 13.4911785
Building names(s): Treptow Crematorium / Krematorium Baumschulenweg
Architect/Designer:
Axel Schultes
+
Charlotte Frank
architect website:
Other Information:
Completion date: 1998
Function: crematorium
website: www.krematorium-berlin.degetting there:
S-Bahn S8, S9, S45, S46 or S47 to S-Bahnhof Baumschulenweg
900 m footpath on Baumschulenstraße and Kiefholzstraße
S-Bahn S8, S9, S45, S46 or S47 to S-Bahnhof Schöneweide
Bus 166 2 bus stops to crematorium
Last update: 30 June, 2011 | Suggested By LT
(6 votes, average: 3.67 out of 5)
Treptow Crematorium has become an object of study for enthusiastic friends and students of contemporary architecture from all over the world. It was built in the years 1996-98 and designed by Axel Schultes with Charlotte Frank, who shortly afterwards also designed the chancellor’s office. More fascinating than the building itself is the enclosed space, which has been compared to Stonehenge, Karnac or the Mosque at Cordoba. 29 concrete supports, as made of marble, rise from the ground like trees at irregular intervals and give structure to the rectangular Hall of the Dead. Their tops are crowned by circular capitals of daylight where they break through the ceiling In the centre of this vast grove of pillars lies a round pool, smooth as glass. The geometrical clarity, control of material and light in the crematorium is breathtaking. By also creatively drawing on cultures all over the world, the architects allow the visitor to experience a unique, deep and multi-layered sense of the space.
The Hall of Condolence (Kondolenzhalle) in this building, was used in the futuristic film Aeon Flux for Trevor Goodchild’s government meetings.
The most powerful architectural element in this building is in the main hall where the series of columns that reach up to the ceiling but seem to stop just short. At this junction, there is a circular opening in the roof, which allows the daylight to enter, creating the illusion that the roof is floating above.