The Futurium in Berlin is designed to host events and exhibitions looking at the future shape of life. With a strong emphasis on research and innovation, the building provides a place for dialogue about the future where scientists, business leaders, politicians and the public can actively participate.

Designed by Berlin architects Richter Musikowski, the project showcases state-of-the-art building technology to realise a nearly zero energy building. Its façade design is elemental in drawing together the faceted, sharp-edged building volume to emphasise its sculptural shape.

We have brought Arup on board as independent experts for the research of materials and the transfer of our ideas into feasible and buildable façade concepts. In interdisciplinary teamwork with industry partners, we collaboratively developed an innovative façade system that is both visually and technically convincing.

Jan Musikowski

Architect, Richter Musikowski Architects

Futurium. Credit: Arup / Ulrich Rossmann
Futurium. Credit: Arup / Ulrich Rossmann

A new dimension of façade design

Arup, the architects, and our suppliers worked together to develop an innovative, modular façade system made of prefabricated cassettes with translucent textured glass on the front and folded metal reflectors on the back. The resulting interplay of reflective, translucent and transparent surfaces results in a smooth, shimmering skin that transforms throughout the day depending on light conditions and viewing angle.

The flexibility of these systems allows for a smooth transition between glazing and ventilated rainscreens on the vertical, inclined and horizontal façade areas, along with the seamless integration of windows and doors. This strengthens the uniformity and sculptural quality of the building.

No visible fixings

The production of over 7,500 units allowed the complete prefabrication and configuration of the diamond-shaped cassettes in the factory. Each cassette measures 700mm x 700mm and is made up of partially screen-printed textured glass to the front, structurally bonded to a folded metal tray of brushed stainless steel to the rear.

For the first time in a project of this size in Germany, building authorities approved a structural sealant glazing (SSG) system without mechanical restraints after extensive testing by the Bundesanstalt für Materialprüfung (Federal Institute for Materials Research & Testing) demonstrated the performance and durability of the structural silicone bonding under the combined influence of mechanical and climatic stresses.

Futurium. Credit: Arup / Ulrich Rossmann
The variability of the systems enables smooth transitions between vision glazing and ventilated rainscreens on the vertical, inclined and horizontal façade areas.
Futurium. Credit: Arup / Ulrich Rossmann
Each façade cassette is composed of partially screen-printed textured glass on the outside structurally bonded to a folded metal tray from brushed stainless steel on the back.