Torhaus Berlin
A self-organized cultural space
Torhaus Berlin e.V. was founded in 2019 by a group of designers, including myself, in the historic gatekeeper’s house of Tempelhof Airport. After the Berlin government announced in 2016 that the airport building would be repurposed for public use, a plan that was never realized in practice, the Torhaus project emerged as a prototype for a small-scale, bottom-up space dedicated to community and culture.
Tempelhof Projekt GmbH agreed to grant the association a 10-year usage contract, subject to our renovating the building sustainably and operating it ourselves. We took charge of the infrastructural renovation and carried out the interior design and construction work.
Tempelhof Projekt GmbH agreed to grant the association a 10-year usage contract, subject to our renovating the building sustainably and operating it ourselves. We took charge of the infrastructural renovation and carried out the interior design and construction work.
After using the space for 4 years with only temporary ad-hoc solutions,
the 55 sqm building, which once had no running water or heating, now features proper insulation, underfloor heating, a kitchen, a toilet, a multifunctional space with a bar and stage, and a fully equipped radio studio.
Today, Torhaus is home to a vibrant community of over 120 members. It hosts THF Radio, an independent online station, and the Kochkollektiv, which organizes regular collective cooking sessions and educational events using rescued food.
Torhaus Studios provides the physical infrastructure and curatorial framework for a wide range of activities - from artist residencies, concerts, workshops, and readings to commissioned projects taking place across different locations.
