Jüterbogs Bahnhof: Cultural center instead of vacancy - a future-oriented concept!

Jüterbogs Bahnhof: Cultural center instead of vacancy - a future-oriented concept!

Architecture students at TU Berlin have developed an innovative concept for reactivating empty train station buildings in Brandenburg. Therese Rackwitz and Wojtek Szczepanik analyzed a total of 44 of these buildings and created an assessment and typological classification. There is a great need for action because many historic station buildings are falling into disrepair while rail operations continue unabated. Their proposal aims to revitalize these places in a sustainable and participatory manner, with a focus on building within existing structures and using gray energy. Loud TU Berlin they want to convert former reception halls into so-called “third places”. These are open meeting places for culture, education and social life, which are particularly aimed at promoting networks between town and country.

Another aspect of the concept is the idea of ​​digitally networked train stations of the future. These are intended to enable modern communication through events and streaming formats. A concrete application scenario is outlined at the train station in Jüterbog, where the aim is to develop into an educational and cultural center with co-working, studio space and workshop offerings. In addition, a vacancy quartet is being developed to teach how to deal with vacancies in a playful way.

Vacancy activation platform

Parallel to this project, the online platform “Potenzial Leerstand” was presented by Federal Construction Minister Klara Geywitz on January 21, 2025. The platform is a source of information for the reactivation of vacant properties and offers targeted assistance for municipalities, actors in the housing industry and individuals. Federal Institute for Building, Urban and Spatial Research highlights that the focus is on success stories of cities and communities that deal creatively with empty buildings.

The examples presented include Naumburg (Saale), where empty buildings were successfully sold to private investors, and Breuna (Hesse), which has set up its own funding program to attract families to renovate existing buildings. The aim of the platform is to combine legal, financial and organizational instruments in order to solve the vacancy problem as needed.

Sustainability through reuse

The reuse of empty buildings plays a central role in sustainable urban development. Information on subsequent use emphasize that conversion into living space, social facilities or cultural centers not only reduces land consumption, but also conserves resources. This approach also minimizes waste from demolition and the need for new building materials.

In summary, it can be seen that the reactivation of empty station buildings and the creation of information platforms can promote future-oriented, sustainable urban development. The numerous initiatives and projects make it clear that there are numerous ways to view vacancies not only as a problem, but also as an opportunity. Improved use of existing infrastructure can add aesthetic value and link to local history, ultimately benefiting the community.