Interior of the Funkhaus concert space; Wikipedia
Early History of the Funkhaus
After the Soviet Union took Berlin, it initially settled a radio station in what became West Berlin and eventually at a temporary location what became the Funkhaus Grünau.
Once East Germany was established though, the government looked for a more suitable site and decided on a location in Oberschöneweide on the grounds of a dismantled veneer factory, directly on the Spree riverbank. The well-known architect Franz Ehrlich took the lead on the project, under the highest level of secrecy which did not last long and tram conductors were soon announcing the stop as the "New Funkhaus."
On September 14 1952 the broadcasting operations of Funkhaus Nalepastrasse commenced and from that point on only the programs Berlin I, II, and III were available. Both the construction process and the subsequent daily radio operations with the latest technology ran smoothly overall until on February 16, 1955, a fire broke out at the Funkhaus.
A heating inspector discovered the fire in an air conditioning unit and raised the alarm. Subsequently the suspicion of arson arose and alongside the firefighting efforts employees began to be interrogating. After long interrogations the employees were allowed to leave the premises around midnight only after a full body search. Though one employee was held and prosecuted - though proved innocent - arson seems to not have been the cause of the fire.
Design of the Funkhaus
The Funkhaus complex comprises several buildings, each serving a distinct purpose. The most iconic is the Block B, with its Grand Broadcasting Hall, boasting perfect acoustics and stunning mid-century modern design elements. With the arched design of the studio complex, the Grand Broadcasting Hall gained international fame for its exceptionally good acoustics. The construction of the entire building is also known as the "house-in-house construction," ensuring effective workflow through good accessibility and connection of the different departments.
The view of the Funkhaus along the Spree 1970; Wikipedia
About 3,000 people worked at the Funkhaus, which led to the establishment of canteens, shopping facilities like the in-house Konsum and Milchbar. The Funkhaus remained a functional broadcasting station all the way to the Fall of the Wall, where its administration and thus ownership disappeared almost overnight.
The Modern Day Funkhaus
In 1995, a construction equipment businessman from the former West German states acquired Funkhaus Berlin Nalepastraße for virtually "peanuts" - an acquisition that the media covered extensively, particularly as subsequent developments grew increasingly questionable. Following a series of criminal and obscure occurrences, Nalepa Projekt GmbH became involved, leading the six states to explore ways to annul the sale.
Since 2006, ownership has been under Keshet Geschäftsführungs GmbH & Co. Radiocenter Berlin KG, which has focused on continuing operations in media, events, and culture while also providing office space. Since 2015, the property has been owned by a consortium of private investors, Uwe Fabich and Holger Jakisch, who also manage the Postbahnhof near the Ostbahnhof.
Today the Funkhaus has a diverse range of uses:
Music and Recording Studios: The Funkhaus remains true to its roots with world-class recording studios that attract musicians from around the globe. The studios are renowned for their exceptional acoustics and vintage charm, making them ideal for recording everything from classical orchestras to contemporary bands.
Event Spaces: The grand broadcasting halls and various other spaces within the Funkhaus are now used for a wide array of events. From concerts and art exhibitions to conferences and fashion shows, the Funkhaus offers a unique backdrop that combines historical grandeur with modern versatility.
Creative Offices and Co-Working Spaces: The sprawling complex is home to numerous creative offices and co-working spaces. Startups, design firms, and media companies thrive in this inspiring environment, fostering a dynamic community of innovators.
Café and Restaurant: Visitors can enjoy dining options within the Funkhaus. A trendy café and restaurant set up shop, offering everything from gourmet meals to artisanal coffee, making it a perfect spot for socializing and networking.
Cultural Programs and Workshops: The Funkhaus hosts a plethora of cultural programs and workshops, ranging from music production classes to art installations. These initiatives provide opportunities for learning, collaboration, and artistic expression.
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