SMV - Bauprojekte strategisch steuern: References

Projekt:

The House of World Cultures

Partial conversion and refurbishment

Project location:	Berlin
SMV Services:	Project Management
Client:	Kulturveranstaltungen des Bundes in Berlin GmbH
Architect:	GAP Gesellschaft für Architektur & Projektmanagement mbH
Buildung Costs:	8,80 Mio. EUR
Responsible:	Dipl.-Ing. Thomas Lewicz
Project data sheet:	Download data sheet

Project data

Data sheet download

Project description
The House of World Cultures (former convention hall) is situated in Berlin along the south bank of the Spree, at the northern part of the Tiergarten, vis-à-vis the chancellery. It has been built between 1956 and 1957 according to the plans of Hugh Stubbins in the course of the international construction fair Interbau as US contribution and is since listed as historical building. Its mission today is to show outer european cultures (especially their contemporary art) in comparison with european ones in a public discourse. The house is open all year. The building amongst others has a big auditorium, an exhibition hall, a theater and conference rooms. In May 1980 a part of the roof construction collapsed. From 1982 until 1987 the affected parts were reconstructed. The remaining structure and especially the building services facilities have not been redeveloped or modernised since the erection of the building 50 years ago which makes them today very ramshackle and in need of extensive refurbishment.
The estimated costs amount to 20 Mio. EUR on the basis of a financial allowance the government has only provided 8,8 Mio. EUR for rehabilitation and refurbishment.

Object features
Duration: 2005 - 2007
Gross floor area: 14.230 m² + 6.900 m² (open space)

Project objectives
Basic objective of the partial repair and refurbishment of the house was the highest possible security for visitors and employees while the house is used unlimited and multi-functional. The unlimited compliance with the determined budget and time frame was defined by a fixed reopening date and a capped budget. A further main objective was the prevention of more interruptions for future necessary rehabilitation measures.

Benefits for the client
SMV as the client's representative is the professional interface between the client and designer as well as authorities and other parties involved. SMV is responsible for the consistent observance of the project goals, provides projections regarding the estimated progress and in case of possible risks suggests according measures.
This releases the client and enables him to focus on his core business. We keep the time frame and budget and the teamwork according to all participants is brilliant.

The House of World Cultures - Opening

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