Harnessing Materiality & Light: LES Berlin by RHO

Designed as a highly flexible event location, LES Berlin is the kind of space that lies dormant until it is called upon. Lonely and stark, a series of hard surfaces build up the bones of three distinct areas—canteen, bar and event space—which can all come alive upon occupation. Harnessing materiality and light to work as hard as possible, Berlin-based collaborative architecture practice, RHO, has created an event venue like no other.

Located within an industrial precinct in Pankow Park, North Berlin, this multifunctional venue builds off the highly industrial tapestry that surrounds it. Embracing its existing concrete floors and exposed mechanical ducting, the materials RHO introduce into the space all build on the pre-established brut of the precinct. Many hard surfaces such as stainless steel and black joinery elements all contribute towards maintaining a strong and resilient material palette.

Between each of LED Berlin’s three spaces, fluted polycarbonate panels framed in brushed aluminium are used as movable walls. While spatially breaking up the venue, they also promote an alluring sense of transparency and permeability between the spaces when closed off, ensuring there is always a glimpse of what is going on in the next space.

Rho Vision Les Berlin Multifunctional Venue Photo Yannes Kiefer Yellowtrace 17

Rho Vision Les Berlin Multifunctional Venue Photo Yannes Kiefer Yellowtrace 16

Wrapped in rubber, the baby yellow bar is quite a statement within the otherwise largely grey space. Dancing in height, the counter steps up for areas where drinks are served and drops to create a surface for sprawling charcuterie boards and various other catered treats. Above, a floating gridded volume made from translucent GRP (glass-reinforced plastic) grating glows green, while concealing a range of services.

Through their collaboration with Berlin-based lighting designer, Jannick Naumann, RHO was able to take their regular architectural items such as this green GRP box, and add an ephemeral glow to increase activation throughout the event space. Carrying this concept throughout the project, the team at RHO shared how they were able to “unify various spaces through the continuity of the GRP ceiling”.

Lacing the project with a dynamic lighting system was a key move in allowing the project to come alive upon occupation. Lighting elements were seamlessly integrated within the polycarbonate dividing walls and inbuilt lighting trusses ensured “a comprehensive lighting infrastructure that set the stage for performers and DJs, while also catering to a diverse range of events”, explains team RHO.

Rho Vision Les Berlin Multifunctional Venue Photo Yannes Kiefer Yellowtrace 07

Rho Vision Les Berlin Multifunctional Venue Photo Yannes Kiefer Yellowtrace 08

But this venue isn’t only a treat for the eyes. RHO collaborated with Kirsch Audio to develop a customised sound system, especially for LES Berlin. “Tailored acoustic measures were taken to ensure the sound quality for any event or performance was met”, shares RHO. The DJ booth, made entirely out of the same GRP grating that laces the rest of the venue, was also developed in collaboration with Berlin-based multidisciplinary creative practice Balzer-Balzer Studio. “[We wanted] to emphasise the space’s musical background”, notes RHO, when talking about the DJ booth and their collaborative efforts around the sound design across the venue.

So while this venue may seem lonely and stark by day, it is through RHO’s collaborative efforts and smart material choices that, upon occupation, LED Berlin comes alive—almost as if it were a living and breathing being.