Oxford to give Berlin’s Sony Center a €200m makeover

Oxford Properties is planning to spend €200 million to refurbish and upgrade the Sony Centre am Potsdamer Platz in Berlin, now around 20 years old.

Oxford is working with the original design team from JAHN Architecture and PWP Landscape Architecture on a new masterplan and stated that the redevelopment will “place greater focus on human-centric aspects of the Sony Center campus”.

Workplaces for health and wellbeing will be optimised along with the retail and “future-focused amenity”. An annual programme of sport, culture and entertainment events will be made accessible both to the Sony Center’s office community and to Berliners and other visitors.

Although work began earlier this year, the major construction activity is due to start in January and most will be complete by the end of 2023.

“We are convinced of the central role the office will continue to play for all businesses but that it needs to offer more than ever before,” said Jay Drexler, vice president office, retail and life science Europe, of Oxford Properties. “We are responding with the introduction of better quality, more sustainable and flexible workspaces, coupled with new amenities including safe and secure bike parking to promote a healthy commute, fitness facilities and services dedicated to well-being.”

Office lobbies to become ‘interactive places’

In total, around 50,000 sq m of office space will be upgraded, office lobbies will be refurbished and will not only function as entrance areas but as “interactive places of gathering and exchange”.

Steven Cook of Jahn Architecture, added that modern workplaces must do more than the office of 25 years ago. “Now there must be a natural opportunity for the creative exchange with one’s colleagues, as well as places for relaxation and rejuvenation. And this all needs to occur in a healthy, sustainable environment with ample natural light and fresh air.”

“The new look and feel will invite occupants to work and hang out, more akin to a hotel than an office building,” Oxford said in a statement.