| Former names | Radialsystem V |
|---|---|
| Address | Holzmarktstraße 33 |
| City | Berlin |
| Country | Germany |
| Opened | 2006 |
| Architect | Gerhard Spangenberg (conversion) |
| Website | www.radialsystem.de |
Radialsystem (formerly Radialsystem V) is a cultural venue in Berlin, Germany. It is located in the Friedrichshain district on the banks of the River Spree and opened in 2006 in a former industrial building.
History
The building was originally constructed as Pumping Station V as part of Berlin’s historic sewerage system. After the end of its industrial use, the structure was redeveloped for cultural use and reopened in 2006.
The conversion of the building into a cultural venue combined the preserved industrial structure with a modern architectural extension designed by Gerhard Spangenberg.
Use as a cultural venue
Since its opening, Radialsystem has been used for performances and events in the fields of contemporary dance, music, and interdisciplinary arts.
The venue has hosted productions by Sasha Waltz & Guests. A 2022 feature in The New York Times referenced performances by the company at Radialsystem in the context of its work in Berlin.
Radialsystem has also been discussed in German newspaper coverage in relation to Berlin’s cultural infrastructure and independent performing arts scene.
Architecture
Radialsystem consists of a preserved industrial brick building combined with a contemporary extension. The redevelopment adapted the former pumping station for cultural use while retaining elements of its original industrial structure.
The building is part of a broader pattern of adaptive reuse of industrial heritage sites in Berlin.
References
- “Zwischen Kiez und Kies”, Süddeutsche Zeitung, 24 August 2006.
- “Den Tiger reiten”, Sandra Luzina, Der Tagesspiegel, 2 September 2007.
- “Pumpwerk der Gefühle”, Frederik Hanssen, Der Tagesspiegel, 10 September 2009.
- “Wir sind der erste Kulturort nach dem BER”, Franziska Buhre, taz, 3 September 2016.
- “Mehr Dialog als Umarmung”, Astrid Kaminski, taz, 31 August 2020.
- “Diese neuen Berliner Theater sollten Sie kennen”, Berliner Morgenpost, 19 August 2016.
- *The New York Times*, 2022 feature on Sasha Waltz & Radialsystem.