In the heart of the neighborhood: panoramic view of the listed Old Town Hall in Berlin-Marzahn.

BLACKPRINT: What would you describe as particularly characteristic of the working approach at KEBE + SCHOBERTH Architekten?

Felicitas Schoberth: Our work is defined by high technical standards and uncompromising quality—especially when dealing with existing public buildings and listed heritage structures. We combine careful analysis and precise planning with a deep respect for the existing fabric. This results in sustainable solutions that preserve historical architecture while meeting today’s performance and comfort requirements.

BLACKPRINT: Much of your portfolio focuses on university architecture. How did this specialisation come about, and is this building typology particularly close to your heart?

Felicitas Schoberth: Our work with university buildings evolved organically from successful competition entries and early projects that have shaped the identity of our practice. University and higher education buildings are inherently complex—they demand a precise coordination of functional, technical, and urban design requirements. This complexity makes them an especially rewarding field of work for us. Beyond that, our portfolio also includes town halls, administrative and office buildings, seminar and lecture halls, as well as feasibility studies for central kitchens or the conversion and expansion of vocational schools.

Heritage documentation: original sketch of the Old Town Hall in Berlin-Marzahn.

BLACKPRINT: The Old Town Hall in Marzahn is a listed building dating back to the GDR era. What has been the particular challenge in improving its energy performance without compromising its protected character?

Felicitas Schoberth: The greatest challenge was to bring a poorly insulated building from the GDR period up to current energy standards without impairing its historic fabric or altering its architectural expression. This required a precise balance between the demands of building physics, the sensitivity of structural interventions, and the high standards of heritage conservation.

BLACKPRINT: When renovating or modernising heritage buildings, there are always multiple—sometimes conflicting—objectives to reconcile: preserving elements of architectural or artistic significance while ensuring contemporary standards of safety, health, and fire protection. Which priorities guided your approach in this project?

Felicitas Schoberth: That is indeed a key question and one we had to examine in great depth. We view our work as a public responsibility that requires balancing the interests and requirements of different stakeholders: heritage authorities, users, clients, and specialist consultants. The aim is to preserve architecturally and historically significant features while simultaneously meeting today’s expectations for safety, functionality, and sustainability. This process demands dialogue, coordination, and a willingness to find common ground in order to arrive at viable solutions.

Ultimately, there is a way forward for every challenge—with perseverance, technical insight, and a clear understanding of the project’s true needs. In the case of the Old Town Hall in Marzahn, intensive collaboration between building physicists, fire safety experts, structural engineers, technical planners, the heritage authority, and even the original architect made it possible to achieve the required standards through extremely subtle—almost surgical—interventions that were gentle on the existing structure.

BLACKPRINT: What specific energy-efficiency measures have you implemented or plan to implement as part of the renovation? And where did you encounter limitations due to heritage protection or the existing structure?

Felicitas Schoberth: Numerous measures have been planned to significantly improve the building’s energy performance. These include a complete renovation of the technical systems and the thermal upgrading of the building envelope. In close collaboration with the building physicists, we are introducing internal insulation and installing new window systems with custom profiles to restore the façade’s original appearance. The roof will feature both a green layer and photovoltaic panels. The greatest challenge lies in designing each intervention in a way that protects the historic fabric while maintaining the building’s characteristic expression. This requires precise planning, technical innovation, and ongoing coordination between all specialists involved.

BLACKPRINT: How closely has the heritage authority been involved in the planning process? Do their requirements restrict your work, or are they more of a supportive partner?

Felicitas Schoberth: In this case, the heritage authority was deeply involved in every decision—yet always in a constructive and cooperative manner. In many areas, we were given the creative freedom to propose different solution scenarios, while in certain aspects, very specific requirements limited our options. Of course, as architects, there were moments when we wished for more freedom of design, but we fully understand why the demands were so high. Marzahn’s history is comparatively young, and preserving the architectural testimony of this era carries a special responsibility.

BLACKPRINT: Your office was commissioned with eight out of nine work phases for this project—from preliminary studies to site supervision and documentation. Do you see advantages in being responsible for such a comprehensive scope, or can “less” sometimes mean “more”?

Felicitas Schoberth: As architects, we truly value the opportunity to accompany a project through all its stages—from the first idea to completion. Within our office, we take on clearly defined roles according to our individual strengths: I coordinate the teams and overall process; Miguel Prados leads design and execution planning; and Ehrenfried Kebe oversees implementation, site supervision, technical control, and coordination. Such comprehensive responsibility makes the process demanding and requires consistency, patience, and persistence. At the same time, it allows us to control every aspect with precision—and ultimately to experience the deep satisfaction of seeing a project completed as a coherent, well-thought-out whole.

Light-flooded foyer of the Old Town Hall in Berlin-Marzahn.

Visualisation of the barrier-free entrance.

BLACKPRINT: Will the building continue to serve as a town hall after the renovation, or is a change of use planned?

Felicitas Schoberth: After the renovation, the town hall will once again house key public institutions such as the Youth Welfare Office, the Building Authority—including the Lower Monument Protection Office—numerous administrative offices, as well as the offices of the political parties represented in the district council and the municipal archives.

The registry office at the Old Town Hall in Berlin-Marzahn.

BLACKPRINT: In your view, what is the true game changer for sustainable architecture?

Felicitas Schoberth: For us, the real game changer for sustainable architecture is preservation rather than new construction. The economical renovation and development of existing buildings is the key to achieving CO₂ neutrality. We need to move away from rapid construction and toward a respectful, responsible approach to what already exists. The future lies in reinterpreting our built heritage—giving buildings a second life while conserving resources. For us, this is not optional, but an obligation.

Of course, sustainability in architecture is a complex issue that depends on many interrelated factors. It cannot be viewed in isolation but must be understood in connection with broader aspects such as sustainable urban development, health, energy, water management, infrastructure, and responsible consumption. Technological innovations—renewable energy, smart building systems, and circular material concepts—are essential tools. Yet ultimately, attitude is what matters most: sustainability should not be seen merely as a technical requirement but as a cultural and social value. Only then can architecture become an active force shaping the future—creating spaces that are ecological, functional, and inspiring at once.

BLACKPRINT: In which field do you currently see the best future prospects for architects? Still in the traditional profession itself, or perhaps more in related areas such as architectural communication—in agencies or editorial work?

Felicitas Schoberth: I want to believe that our profession will endure, despite the profound changes we are experiencing. The essential architectural task—improving, adapting, and transforming the built environment—will remain indispensable. Architecture creates tangible, livable spaces, and especially in times of transformation, the expertise of architects will be in growing demand to help shape cities and communities that are sustainable, functional, and fit for the future.

BLACKPRINT: What role do you think artificial intelligence will play for architects—now and in the future?

Felicitas Schoberth: I hesitate to make a definitive prediction. Artificial intelligence teaches us new capabilities every day—skills that seemed unimaginable just a few years ago—and it will undoubtedly become increasingly integrated into design and construction processes. However, I believe the human factor will always remain essential—both in how we work together and in how we navigate the delicate balance between technical, aesthetic, and societal demands. AI can support us, but responsibility, creativity, and decision-making must remain in human hands.

BLACKPRINT: Ms. Schoberth, thank you very much for the conversation.

Interview by Kirsten Ohlendorf.