11 Futuristic Places In Germany That Are Straight Out Of Blade Runner

Back in 1982, Blade Runner revolutionised the science fiction genre. This year, after 35 years of waiting, fans stormed the theatres across the world to watch the sequel, Blade Runner 2049. Like the original, the films stuns with cinematographic effects and impressive film sets from deserted landscapes, dystopian cities illuminated by neon lights and futuristic architecture. We compiled a list of places in Germany that could be straight out of Blade Runner.

1. Ludwig Erhard Haus, Berlin

Building

The Ludwig-Erhard-Haus was designed by British architect Sir Nicholas Grimshaw

The modern conference and office building was designed by the British Nicholas Grimshaw in the mid-1990s and is also known under the nickname ‘Armadillo’. Fifteen elliptical arches span across the site and support the roof of the building. In the atrium, capsule-like elevators with orange-tinted windows take visitors to the upper levels. The building has made several appearances in German thrillers and could well serve as a future Blade Runner set.

2. Tempodrom, Berlin

Concert Hall

The Tempodrom is multi-purpose event space that houses two arenas and the Liquidrom spa centre. The concrete roof resembles a giant circus tent, which is owed to its founder. In 1980, a local nurse, Irene Moessinger, fulfilled her lifelong dream of buying a circus tent and hosting artsy events. Though she struggled financially and the tent moved several times in the subsequent years, private donations and government subsidies allowed for the permanent structure to be built on the site of the disused Anhalter train station. Today, the futuristic white peaks contrast the remains of the old railway station.

Sony Centre, Berlin

World War II bombing raids turned the area around Berlin’s iconic Potsdamer Platz square into rubble and led to it lying idle until 1961, when the Berlin Wall cut halfway through the square and divided Berlin along with the rest of Germany. The Wall came down 28 years later, and to revive the area, significant redevelopment projects converted Potsdamer Platz into Europe’s largest building site. In 2000, the Sony Centre at Berlin was opened to the public. The futuristic glass and steel complex is composed of an IMAX theatre, shops, restaurants, bars and cafés. At night, the tower and the cupola-like roof are illuminated by bright neon lights that, in David Suzuki’s words, create a ‘vision of cyberpunk, corporate urban future’.

Sony Centre, Kemperplatz 1, Berlin, Germany
Need more reasons to visit Germany? Check out our list of 17 Magical Places in Germany That Are Straight out of a Fairy Tale.