Andreas Quartier Berlin
Located in Berlin’s Friedrichshain district, Andreas Quartier is a landmark development combining modern office spaces with residential areas, all centered on sustainability and creating a vibrant community-focused space. With our innovative landscape architecture and thoughtful design, Andreas Quartier will enhance life for its users and enrich Berlin’s urban landscape.
Type
Architecture & Urban Development
Landscape Architecture
Client
Tishman Speyer
Budget
4.500.000€
Year
2023-2024
OVERVIEW
Working at Capatti Staubach, I had the incredible opportunity to co-lead and collaborate on this transformative landscape project, from conceptualization to the schematic phases.
My team's user-centered approach gained widespread acceptance from various stakeholders, including city officials, clients, and architectural teams, delivering a fully functional project.
This case study showcases our concept design journey and highlight the significant focus of our solutions on both the community and the environment.
My Tasks
Design Lead: Directed the conceptual and schematic design phases, focusing on user-centric sustainability.
Co-Project Manager: Managed project goals and budget constraints.
Workflow Management: Oversaw project workflow to ensure efficiency.
Team Oversight and Communication: Led communications and presentations to stakeholders, including clients and architectural peers.
the challenge | NAVIGATING COMPLEXITY
In the rapidly evolving landscape of Berlin, the design of Andreas Quartier faced multiple challenges. We needed to manage a large-scale project while coordinating with other diverse teams and complying with strict public regulations.
Our goal was to ensure that these complexities did not affect the quality of user experience or community connections in public spaces. Through innovative design and effective project management, we aligned stakeholder interests with our vision for a sustainable, community-centric urban environment.
Creating Berlin's Best Public Space
How can we develop a new attractive landmark and vibrant private courtyard that serves as a community focal point, accessible and engaging around the clock for everyone to enjoy?
Vision and Strategy
Our vision from the outset was to transform what could be an ordinary private area into a public realm that attracts and delights visitors, thereby becoming a beloved landmark. Our aim was to make Andreas Quartier a memorable space that resonates with every visitor, creating the best possible user experience. Understanding the users and their context was crucial.
We moved away from the traditional public space designs typical of such buildings and opted to break from rigid, symmetrical forms. Instead, we introduced an organic arrangement of green islands that occupy the space and guide visitors through the AQC experience. These islands not only delineate paths leading to building entrances or across the courtyard but also host a series of curated interaction spaces, allowing visitors to discover the space from different perspectives. Each spot is designed for varying types of engagement, enriching the journey of every individual who traverses the courtyard.
The Catalog - A Programmatic Experience
In shaping Andreas Quartier, we approached the project in layers—first allowing the physical forms to define spaces for different uses, then developing a construction layer to support them. This method helped us respond to diverse user needs—what if an office worker wants to relax by shooting hoops in the courtyard?
Recognizing the importance of belonging and identity in urban spaces, we created a flexible catalog of possible uses and furniture elements tailored to a wide range of people. Built on our research and community feedback, this catalog ensured the public space would invite human connection and foster a sense of inclusion for all ages.
Attention to detail
Andreas Quartier was more than a bold idea—it was about delivering it with precision, especially under tight budget constraints. From the start, we focused on preserving the design vision without compromising quality.
We used sculptural shapes—visually strong and cost-effective—as core elements, paired with durable materials and catalog furniture to stay efficient.
Our strategy: cut where possible, invest where it mattered.
Key decisions:
Reduced non-essentials to highlight key design moments.
Used construction materials with 60% lower CO₂ emissions.
Installed a system that saves 80% in annual water use for plants.
Chose low-maintenance finishes to reduce upkeep.
Focused budget on high-use, tactile details.
Close collaboration with engineers and planners ensured every choice supported a space that’s smart, sustainable, and built to last.
Activating the terraces: Public Space Treatment Across the Building
Our design language extends across the entire building, transforming Andreas Quartier into a layered ecosystem—from intimate balconies to open terraces—balancing privacy and social interaction.
We integrated a resilient, biodiverse landscape supported by smart water collection and storage systems, creating a near self-sustaining ecology and ensuring long-term flexibility.
Reflections
Thank you!
Copyright
All rights reserved. This case study showcases a collaborative effort involving contributions from Capatti Staubach Urbanenlandschaften, MVRDV Architects, Saltire GmbH, and Xoio GmbH. Unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this publication, or any portion of it, is prohibited.