with: Nordic Embassies

The Nordic countries are known not only for outstanding design and architecture, but for other innovative ideas as well — one of which has been around in Berlin-Tiergarten for almost 20 years. When the diplomatic corps moved from Bonn to Berlin in the 1990s, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden agreed on a common building complex that would demonstrate their close ties while representing each country’s cultural identity. How is everyday life behind the green-copper band? Does the architecture affect the Nordic collaboration? Long-time employees show the complex, and talk about architecture, the five countries, and give insights into today’s tasks of an embassy.

HUB Felleshus, Nordic Embassies:
“Each autonomous, yet together”. The design by Austrian-Finnish office Berger+Parkkinen for the site’s overall concept, perfectly captures the idea of a strong community built of pure individuals.The copper band encompassing the Felleshus (Pan-Nordic Building) and the five embassies – each of which were designed quite distinctively by architects of the respective countries – has since become a famous landmark in Berlin. As part of Make City, several events will be hosted: Nordic Schools of Tomorrow (panel discussion), guided tours (including the embassies, which usually are not open to the public), and children’s workshops.