“Yet the urban streetscape is, in essence, our shared living room, a space where communities come together”

What inspired the design of Vert and what were the main challenges you faced? 

Robert Patzschke : The beauty of architecture lies in assembling all the pieces—location, client vision, functional needs, constraints and our own design philosophy—into a cohesive whole. For Vert, we worked within an area rich with industrial heritage, a prime location inside Berlin’s Circle Line and a vibrant crossroads of mobility options. Covivio envisioned a bright, flexible, high-quality office space and we translated this into an architecture that blends seamlessly with its surroundings. 

Our design process, as always, started with hand sketches. We took cues from the area’s diverse influences: early 20th-century industrial elements, 1980s aesthetics, deconstructivist school buildings, elegant 1890s residential structures and a state-of-the-art transport hub. The challenge was to integrate these elements while meeting Covivio’s precise requirements: ambitious sustainability goals, a fixed budget, and, at the outset, no confirmed tenant—meaning we had to remain adaptable throughout the entire process. Achieving this balance required close collaboration, an iterative, dynamic exchange that was both demanding and rewarding.  

What design solutions did you implement to reach those objectives?  

Robert Patzschke : Some solutions were technical: we selected materials with a lower carbon footprint, integrated geothermal systems, solar panels and activated ceilings for energy-efficient heating and cooling. Others were spatial: we designed a regular grid system to accommodate anything from small private offices to expansive open-plan layouts. Large courtyards bring natural light into the building while serving as social and meeting spaces. The entrance foyers are modular, allowing for adaptability. Connectivity was also a priority—direct integration with public transit, bicycle highways, battery charging stations, and changing rooms encourage sustainable mobility. The overall design reflects classical principles of order and proportion while delivering a contemporary, well-lit workspace.

Your firm has long been known for merging classical and modern elements. How would you describe your approach to architecture and how has it evolved?  

Robert Patzschke : Our firm, founded 55 years ago by my grandfather and uncle, has witnessed many architectural trends. Through it all, our guiding principle has remained the same: responding to what people truly need from their built environment. In the mid-1990s, we were commissioned to work on the Hotel Adlon Kempinski, which became the first contemporary classical building in Germany. Since then, we have integrated those principles across residential, office and hospitality projects. 

Classicism, to us, means a return to human-scale architecture. It’s about breaking down spaces into smaller, more digestible units adding granularity to vast spaces so they feel more intuitive and inviting. These design elements have been refined over thousands of years, making them timeless and highly adaptable. Unfortunately, post-war architecture moved toward a model dominated by skyscrapers, often neglecting the human experience at street level. Yet the urban streetscape is, in essence, our shared living room—a space where communities come together. Our goal is to reintroduce beauty and happiness through thoughtful, human-centered design. 

What role should architecture play in addressing today’s global challenges? 

Robert Patzschke : An architect is like a film director or an orchestra conductor bringing together diverse expertise with the aim of achieving the best possible result. This comes with a significant societal responsibility. Buildings must be designed for longevity, merging functionality with sustainability. A partner like Covivio, with its long-term investment strategy, is ideal because it prioritizes durability over short-term trends. 

Timelessness is key. Since a building’s largest environmental footprint comes from its construction, the most sustainable approach is to create structures that remain relevant for generations. Good architecture is a fusion of functionality, sustainability, aesthetics, responsibility, adaptability and longevity. It’s not just about designing for today but shaping a future that remains both practical and inspiring. And it is no small feat!