DAM Preis 2026: ZK/U Center for Art and Urbanistics Honored for Adaptive Reuse
The esteemed DAM Preis 2026 has been bestowed upon Peter Grundmann Architekten for their remarkable transformation of the ZK/U Center for Art and Urbanistics in Berlin. This adaptive reuse initiative reimagined a disused single-story warehouse at a freight station in Berlin-Moabit, converting it into a dynamic cultural meeting point. The jury lauded the firm's ingenious and resource-conscious strategy, which involved enveloping the existing structure in a lightweight steel-and-glass shell and adding an additional floor, all achieved with substantial manual effort and a restrained budget. This project, a collaborative endeavor with the non-profit KUNSTrePUBLIK e. V., significantly enhances the extensive public programming that has been a cornerstone of the former freight station since 2012, encompassing exhibitions, performances, artist residencies, and community events.
The Deutsches Architekturmuseum (DAM), in collaboration with JUNG, orchestrates the multi-phase DAM Preis selection process. The ZK/U Center garnered recognition for its meticulous construction, where the structural loads are transparently articulated and effectively redirected to new supporting columns. The original building's integrity was largely maintained, with non-load-bearing walls preserved and the ground floor's former storage hall retained as an open space that now serves as the primary event area. Below, a vaulted cellar has been ingeniously adapted to house exhibition spaces and a bar, further expanding the center's functionality.
A notable design feature is the new lightweight external layer, composed mainly of glass and minimal steel, which encases the existing structure. This innovative envelope provides thermal regulation and meets energy efficiency standards without requiring heavy insulation. On the entrance side, it creates a welcoming foyer and windbreak, while extending six meters deep on the garden side to accommodate an inviting bar area. A pre-stressed slab supports the newly introduced second floor, and strategically recessed facades offer effective solar shading. A spacious access gallery facilitates movement throughout all rooms and enhances the interior's adaptability, while exterior steel staircases connect both levels to an expansive roof terrace. The ZK/U is thoughtfully integrated within a public park, which is actively managed by the associated non-profit organization.
For the 2026 DAM Preis, nominated buildings were required to have been completed between late 2023 and spring 2025. Approximately one hundred buildings and ensembles were identified through extensive research by DAM and a panel of expert advisors. In the subsequent phase, a jury, led by architect Aline Hielscher, narrowed down the candidates to a shortlist of 21 projects. Following site visits and deliberations, the ZK/U Center for Art and Urbanistics was ultimately selected as the winner, alongside four other distinguished projects. These included Wohnen F // 9 by Aretz Dürr Architektur in Cologne, Das robuste Haus – Multi-generational House Görzer128 by Etal. in Munich, Overnight shelter with medical facilities by Hild Und K Architekten in Munich, and Dual-school Allee der Kosmonauten by PPAG Architects in Berlin.
The 2026 edition of the DAM Preis underscores several prominent trends in contemporary German architecture. Residential projects continue to feature prominently among the nominations, reflecting a thoughtful re-evaluation of traditional floor plans to align with evolving lifestyles. In the realm of cultural architecture, there's a discernible shift from constructing iconic, standalone structures to cultivating 'third places' that offer enriched public programs and foster community engagement. The increasing prevalence of timber and timber-hybrid constructions highlights a growing commitment to sustainable building practices. Moreover, adaptive reuse, renovation, and conversion projects remain crucial in revitalizing underutilized urban centers and breathing new life into existing infrastructure.
The DAM Preis 2026 awarded to Peter Grundmann Architekten for the ZK/U Center for Art and Urbanistics stands as a testament to innovative and sustainable architectural practice. The project exemplifies a resourceful approach to transforming an industrial relic into a vibrant cultural hub, integrating community programming and environmentally conscious design. This recognition further emphasizes the evolving landscape of German architecture, characterized by adaptive reuse, sustainable materials, and a focus on creating inclusive public spaces that cater to contemporary societal needs.