Transformations in Architecture

Site Specific: Beeskow Castle

Atelier Fanelsa - Beeskow, Brandenburg, Germany, 2024

Based between their Berlin office and their countryside farmhouse/atelier in Gerswalde, near the Polish border, Atelier Fanelsa are a small practice whose work is typified by a strong interest in ‘working with’; in terms of built fabric, material re-use and in community engagement. Led by architect Niklas Fanelsa, the practice have recently completed an intervention at the Burghofbühne Castle in the East German town of Beeskow.

Consisting of a series of pavilions arranged around a stepped auditorium and seating area, the project creates flexible accommodation for an ongoing cultural programme run by the district authorities. The new buildings, sitting within the existing fortifications, are reminiscent of both crenelated military architecture and more ephemeral, tent-like structures - a background for arts and music festivals, exhibitions and workshops.

AF Our project for the new Burghofbühne in Beeskow consists of three new pavilions, together with an outdoor stage, in the middle of the historically listed ensemble of the castle complex. The cultural centre of the Oder-Spree district use the new additions as a performance venue for actors and musicians, or as a small gallery between seasons. Predominantly, geo-based and bio-based building materials were used for the new construction. By elevating the building, the foundations, and therefore the use of concrete, could be reduced to a minimum.

All the courtyard facades can be generously opened thanks to the folding shutters and sliding windows. When closed, the elegant pavilions blend in with the red brick castle walls behind them.