The Sewage Pumping Station in Berlin’s Tiergarten, designed by architects O.M. Ungers and Stefan Schroth, is a significant work of postmodern architecture. Though its construction was completed between 1985 and 1987, the designs for the station were conceived as early as 1978. This project replaced an older sewage pumping station, known as “Pumpwerk VIII,” which was constructed between 1888 and 1890. The original station was a critical part of the advanced sewage system implemented by James Hobrecht, a prominent urban planner for Prussian Berlin. Ungers and Schroth’s new design pays homage to this historical infrastructure while establishing a distinct architectural identity.
Tiergarten Sewage Pumping Station Technical Information
- Architects: O.M. Ungers & Stefan Schroth
- Previous Structure: “Pumpwerk VIII” (built 1888-1890)
- Location: Berlin Tiergarten, Germany
- Topics: Postmodern Architecture
- Project Year: 1978 – 1987
- Photographs: See Caption Details
Architecture is the only concrete form of philosophy.
– O.M. Ungers1
Tiergarten Sewage Pumping Station Photographs
Design and Symbolic References
Ungers’ design for the new pumping station draws clear references from the old “Pumpwerk VIII,” mainly through its clinker brick facade and a pitched roof—elements that resonate with the architectural language of the late 19th century. However, Ungers did not merely replicate the old; he introduced a modern interpretation that is both functional and monumental. The building features four large rectangular chimneys, which dominate its profile, giving the structure a striking visual presence. These chimneys are not just functional elements but also serve as a symbolic link to the station’s industrial purpose.
The interior of the pumping station is equally notable. It is believed that Ungers drew inspiration from the Umlauftank, designed by Ludwig Leo, a former collaborator of Ungers at the Technical University (TU) Berlin. This influence is evident in the spatial organization and the technical rigor of the interior spaces, where functionality dictates the design while still adhering to Ungers’ overarching architectural vision.
Impact and Legacy
The Sewage Pumping Station by O.M. Ungers and Stefan Schroth is more than a functional piece of infrastructure; it is a statement on the potential of utility buildings to contribute to the architectural heritage of a city. By referencing historical elements and integrating them into a modern context, Ungers created a building that honors Berlin’s architectural past while firmly positioning itself within the postmodern movement.
The building’s critical reception has been mixed, with some praising its monumental approach to a typically utilitarian structure, while others questioned the emphasis on form over function. Despite this, the station has influenced subsequent infrastructure projects by encouraging architects to view such structures as opportunities for architectural exploration rather than mere technical necessities.
Tiergarten Sewage Pumping Station Image Gallery
About O.M. Ungers
Oswald Mathias Ungers (1926–2007) was a German architect and academic renowned for his rigorous, geometric approach to architecture, which often emphasized the interplay between form, function, and symbolism. Ungers was a key figure in postmodern architecture, known for his intellectual and philosophical approach to design. He sought to create buildings that were both conceptually profound and architecturally precise. His works, including notable projects like the German Architecture Museum in Frankfurt, the Berlin Hamburger Bahnhof, and the Ungers House II: Villa Glashütte, reflect his belief in architecture as a form of cultural expression and a concrete manifestation of philosophical ideas.
Notes & Additional Credits
- The quote encapsulates Ungers’ belief that architecture is not just about building structures but is also a form of intellectual and philosophical expression. This mindset is evident in his work on the Sewage Pumping Station, where he transforms a utilitarian structure into a piece of architectural significance.
- O. M. Ungers: The Dialectic City by O.M. Ungers, S. Vieths
- O.M. Unger’s works in progress by O M Ungers
