AEG Turbine Hall (1909)

Icon of Berlin Architecture – This industrial building made of steel, concrete, and glass is a mainstay of architecture encyclopedias. In the early 20th century, architect Peter Behrens and engineer Karl Bernhard developed a unique style for a factory building. No cladding hid the construction of its sides, which a contemporary described as “one huge glass window.” State-of-the-art steam turbines were built in the bright hall. The manufacture of these ever larger and heavier turbines required space, as well as crane runways that could accommodate enormous weight. The factory provided both – and still does today. Siemens Energy now produces modern gas turbines for power plants there. In 1956 the historic factory became the first industrial building in Berlin to receive landmark status.