Bernhard-Lichtenberg-Haus

The Bernhard-Lichtenberg-Haus, which is part of the Catholic Forum Saint Hedwig Mitte in Berlin, to be reorganised by Max Dudler on a commission from the Archdiocese of Berlin. The old building is to be carefully renovated, and the extension is being replaced by a new building. Together with Saint Hedwig's Cathedral, the Bernhard Lichtenberg House will in future form a forum characterized by a sequence of public urban spaces. The new building steps back slightly from the old one, generating an opening toward Französische Strasse and endowing the cathedral with a new presence. The triad of old building, new building and Saint Hedwig's Cathedral thus becomes a coherent urban ensemble. The new architecture sees itself as a transformation of its neoclassical neighbor. The rhythmized natural stone façade takes up the window openings of the old building, endowing the side street leading to Bebelplatz with a new quality. Along the north facade, a colonnade welcomes visitors arriving from Bebelplatz, guiding them toward the forum and the public ground-level café. A secluded plaza serves as an outdoor space for the café and a place of calm in the midst of the city. A bookstore and public spaces for encounter and meditation complement the place.