Campus
Benjamin Franklin

Campus Benjamin Franklin (CBF) is one of the world’s most important hospital buildings of the post-war era. As the first clinic in Germany to combine a hospital with research and teaching facilities in a single structure when it opened in 1968, it set new standards for Europe. The American architects Curtis & Davis created a true icon in Berlin that was both functional and aesthetic.

The main building was granted listed status in 2013. But should this reverence stop us from changing anything? Instead, we should find a way of continuing the revolutionary ideas of the past by adopting a design that is itself revolutionary. Consequently, the plan is to create a sustainable ‘green hospital’ set in a spacious landscaped park. Could there be any better setting for a new, interdisciplinary campus for science and therapy where research is conducted into how we can stay healthy for as long as possible?

Campus Benjamin Franklin (CBF) is one of the world’s most important hospital buildings of the post-war era. It was regarded as a model clinic when it opened in 1968 thanks to its innovative concept, which defined a new European standard. Under the slogan ‘Everything under one roof’, it was the first modern university hospital in Germany to house healthcare, research and teaching facilities in a single building. Its innovative potential also shines through in the expressively collaged functional design by the American architectural firm Curtis & Davis. The campus is dominated by the imposing main building, whose volume, clear structure and striking modular facade stand in clear contrast to the villas in the surrounding area. Both architecturally and in terms of its medical profile, the planned development will build on CBF’s innovative guiding principles in its quest to become a visionary campus for the medicine of tomorrow. At the same time, existing buildings will be treated respectfully and the distinctive identity of the location enhanced.

The development planned by the firm Silvia Gmür Reto Gmür Architekten and landscape architect Maurus Schifferli creates a new campus that identifies with its location and creates an ensemble effect of listed buildings and newbuilds. Two compact building sites arranged along symmetrical axes extend the existing main building westwards towards Hindenburgdamm, where the campus opens out into the city like a funnel. The long central axis continues into the central tree-lined promenade bordered by newbuilds. The south-west-facing 16-storey structure is a prominent feature on the urban skyline. The compact arrangement of the building sites to the north allows for coherent and spacious park landscaping in the south.

The central axis leading from the entrance acts as the green backbone of the campus, with an area of water to the west and the avenue of plane trees in rows of four to the east, providing a compelling entrance that aids orientation.

An iconic hospital on the way to the future

Looking towards the future is in the DNA of Campus Benjamin Franklin. It has always taken a translational approach, but now it needs to be made ready for tomorrow’s medicine. The campus will meet the numerous challenges posed by the health system of the future by strengthening the links between research and patient care.

As a modern campus for life sciences, CBF will focus on maintaining health. Its academic teams are set to join forces with Freie Universität Berlin to explore the bodily processes that keep people fit and ensure that they recover quickly. There is a scientific emphasis on ‘early detection, successful healing, improved resilience’, with the aim of discovering innovative approaches to prevention and therapy as well as actively preventing the outbreak of illness.

Setting an example

Implementing this architectural vision of the future relies not only on developing the campus within its urban setting but also on ensuring that the exceptional historical buildings are future-proof.

Renovating the operating theatres

The surgical facilities of Campus Benjamin Franklin, which date back to 1968, have been comprehensively renovated in three construction stages, with the department remaining open and operational throughout the process. The final updated section containing five operating theatres and associated support areas was unveiled in 2024.

Renovating the wards (SPS)

Construction work to renovate a total of eight inpatient wards (SPS I + II) is the first major renovation of existing patient accommodation since the university hospital opened in 1968. The purpose of the renovations is to ensure that wards can meet the demands of modern patient care.

Renovating the roof and installing solar power

The first comprehensive renovation of the building’s flat roof since its construction in 1968 is aimed at eliminating existing damage, removing hazardous substances and installing equipment for generating energy that complies with current technical requirements and legislation. A photovoltaic system for solar power will be installed on large portions of the roof.