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Coordinates: 52°30′36″N 13°22′25″E / 52.51000°N 13.37361°E / 52.51000; 13.37361
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{{Short description|Ensemble of buildings in Berlin, Germany}}
{{Short description|Ensemble of buildings in Berlin, Germany}}
{{About||the Sony Centre stores in Europe|Sony Centre|performing arts venue/theater in Toronto|Sony Centre for the Performing Arts}}
{{About||the Sony Centre stores in Europe|Sony Centre|performing arts venue/theater in Toronto|Sony Centre for the Performing Arts}}
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{{Infobox building
{{Infobox building
| name = Sony Center
| name = Sony Center
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The '''Sony Center''' is a [[Sony]]-sponsored complex of eight buildings<ref>Arno Schuetze (October 2, 2017), [https://www.reuters.com/article/us-omers-sony-idUSKCN1C71DX OMERS buys landmark Berlin property Sony Center for 1.1 billion euros] ''[[Reuters]]''.</ref> located at the [[Potsdamer Platz]] in [[Berlin]], [[Germany]] designed by [[Helmut Jahn]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.sonycenter.de/en/architecture|title=Architecture Sony Center|website=www.sonycenter.de|language=English|access-date=2018-04-15}}</ref> It opened in 2000 and houses Sony's German headquarters.
The '''Sony Center''' is a [[Sony]]-sponsored complex of eight buildings located at the [[Potsdamer Platz]] in [[Berlin]], Germany, designed by [[Helmut Jahn]]. It opened in 2000 and houses Sony's German headquarters. The [[movie theater|cinemas]] in the center were closed at the end of 2019.


==History==
==History==
{{See also|Potsdamer Platz}}
{{See also|Potsdamer Platz}}
In the early 20th century, the site was originally home to Berlin's bustling [[city center]]. During [[World War II]], it was the location of the infamous Nazi [[People's Court (Germany)|People's Court]]. Most of the buildings in its vicinage were destroyed or damaged during [[World War II]]. From 1961 onwards, most of the area became part of the "No Man's Land" of the [[Berlin Wall]], resulting in the destruction of the remaining buildings. After the fall of the Berlin Wall on 9 November 1989, the square became the focus of attention again, as a large (some 60 hectares), attractive location in the heart of a major European capital city had suddenly become available.
In the early 20th century, the site was originally home to Berlin's bustling [[city center]]. During [[World War II]], it was the location of the infamous Nazi [[People's Court (Germany)|People's Court]]. Most of the buildings in its vicinage were destroyed or damaged during [[World War II]]. From 1961 onwards, most of the area became part of the "No Man's Land" of the [[Berlin Wall]], resulting in the destruction of the remaining buildings. After the [[fall of the Berlin Wall]] on 9 November 1989, the square became the focus of attention again, as a large (some {{cvt|60|ha}}), attractive location in the heart of a major European capital city had suddenly become available.


As part of a redevelopment effort for the area, the space was to be developed. In 1992, Sony acquired the {{convert|30,000|m2|adj=on|sp=us}} site from the Berlin city government for 97.2 million German marks, about $61.6 million. Shortly after, the [[European Commission]] briefly investigated whether Sony paid less than the market price.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/1992/02/05/business/company-news-inquiry-on-sony-berlin-deal.html Inquiry on Sony Berlin Deal] ''[[New York Times]]'', February 5, 1992.</ref> Over the following years, a total of eight buildings were designed by [[Helmut Jahn]] and [[Peter Walker (landscape architect)|Peter Walker]] as landscape architect and construction was completed in 2000 at a total cost of 750 million euros.
As part of a redevelopment effort for the area, the space was to be developed. In 1992, Sony acquired the {{convert|30,000|m2|adj=on|sp=us}} site from the Berlin city government for 97.2 million German marks, about US$61.6 million. Shortly after, the [[European Commission]] briefly investigated whether Sony paid less than the market price.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/1992/02/05/business/company-news-inquiry-on-sony-berlin-deal.html Inquiry on Sony Berlin Deal] ''[[New York Times]]'', February 5, 1992.</ref> Over the following years, a total of eight buildings<ref>Arno Schuetze (October 2, 2017), [https://www.reuters.com/article/us-omers-sony-idUSKCN1C71DX OMERS buys landmark Berlin property Sony Center for 1.1 billion euros] ''[[Reuters]]''.</ref> were designed by [[Helmut Jahn]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.sonycenter.de/en/architecture|title=Architecture Sony Center|website=www.sonycenter.de|language=English|access-date=2018-04-15}}</ref> and [[Peter Walker (landscape architect)|Peter Walker]] as landscape architect, and construction was completed in 2000 at a total cost of 750 million euros.


The iconic 4,000m² vaulted roof covering the central open area between the main buildings was engineered and built by [[Waagner-Biro]] using steel, glass and translucent fabric.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Sony Center – Waagner Biro / Steel and Glass facades|url=https://wb-sg.com/projects/sonycenter/|access-date=2020-10-22|language=en-US}}</ref>
The iconic {{cvt|4,000|m²}} vaulted roof covering the central open area between the main buildings was engineered and built by [[Waagner-Biro]] using steel, glass and translucent fabric.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Sony Center – Waagner Biro / Steel and Glass facades|url=https://wb-sg.com/projects/sonycenter/|access-date=2020-10-22|language=en-US}}</ref>


In February 2008 Sony sold the Sony Center for less than 600 million euros to a group of German and US investment funds, including investment bank [[Morgan Stanley]], [[Corpus Sireo]] and an affiliate of [[The John Buck Company]].<ref>[http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,2144,3157354,00.html Berlin's Sony Center Sells for Bargain Price | Germany | Deutsche Welle | 28.02.2008<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> The group sold the Sony Center to the [[National Pension Service]] of [[South Korea]] for 570 million euros in 2010.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hines.com/news/nps-acquires-sony-center-in-berlin|title=NPS Acquires Sony Center in Berlin – News & Views – Hines|website=Hines|access-date=2016-12-05}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.morgenpost.de/wirtschaft/article104180496/Suedkoreaner-kaufen-Berliner-Sony-Center.html|title=Südkoreaner kaufen Berliner Sony Center|last=Berlin|first=Berliner Morgenpost -|website=www.morgenpost.de|date=21 May 2010|language=de-DE|access-date=2016-12-05}}</ref> In 2017, [[Oxford Properties]] and Madison International Realty acquired the complex for close to 1.1 billion euros.<ref>Aime Williams (October 2, 2017), [https://www.ft.com/content/e81f0daf-5e86-3485-9c63-b5339e28f76e Berlin’s Sony Centre sold for over €1bn] ''[[Financial Times]]''.</ref>
In February 2008 Sony sold the Sony Center for less than 600 million euros to a group of German and US investment funds, including investment bank [[Morgan Stanley]], [[Corpus Sireo]] and an affiliate of [[The John Buck Company]].<ref>[http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,2144,3157354,00.html Berlin's Sony Center Sells for Bargain Price | Germany | Deutsche Welle | 28.02.2008<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> The group sold the Sony Center to the [[National Pension Service]] of [[South Korea]] for 570 million euros in 2010.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hines.com/news/nps-acquires-sony-center-in-berlin|title=NPS Acquires Sony Center in Berlin – News & Views – Hines|website=Hines|access-date=2016-12-05}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.morgenpost.de/wirtschaft/article104180496/Suedkoreaner-kaufen-Berliner-Sony-Center.html|title=Südkoreaner kaufen Berliner Sony Center|last=Berlin|first=Berliner Morgenpost -|website=www.morgenpost.de|date=21 May 2010|language=de-DE|access-date=2016-12-05}}</ref>
In 2017, [[Oxford Properties]] and Madison International Realty acquired the complex for close to 1.1 billion euros.<ref>Aime Williams (October 2, 2017), [https://www.ft.com/content/e81f0daf-5e86-3485-9c63-b5339e28f76e Berlin’s Sony Centre sold for over €1bn]&nbsp;''[[Financial Times]]''.</ref>

From 1999 until 2019, [[CineStar]] operated a cinema, Cinestar Sony Center, and an [[IMAX]] theater in the center.<ref>Peter Zander (December 30, 2019), [https://www.morgenpost.de/kultur/article228025595/CineStar-im-Sony-Center-schliesst-Ein-Verlust-fuer-die-Stadt.html CineStar im Sony Center schließt: Ein Verlust für die Stadt]&nbsp;''[[Berliner Morgenpost]]''.</ref> Both were used for screenings in the [[Berlin International Film Festival]] until their closure.<ref name="Blaney 2020">{{cite web | last=Blaney | first=Martin | title=Berlinale 2020 adds screening venues in the wake of closures | website=Screen | date=9 January 2020 | url=https://www.screendaily.com/news/berlinale-2020-adds-screening-venues-in-the-wake-of-closures/5146059.article | access-date=21 September 2022}}</ref>


==Attractions==
==Attractions==
The Sony Center contains a mix of shops, restaurants, a [[conference center]], hotel rooms, around 67 residential units,<ref>Aime Williams (October 2, 2017), [https://www.ft.com/content/e81f0daf-5e86-3485-9c63-b5339e28f76e Berlin’s Sony Centre sold for over €1bn] ''[[Financial Times]]''.</ref> offices, the [[Museum of Film and Television Berlin|Museum of Film and Television]], a [[Legoland Discovery Center]], and a "Sony Style" store. From 1999 until 2019, [[CineStar]] operated a cinema and an [[IMAX]] theater in the center.<ref>Peter Zander (December 30, 2019), [https://www.morgenpost.de/kultur/article228025595/CineStar-im-Sony-Center-schliesst-Ein-Verlust-fuer-die-Stadt.html CineStar im Sony Center schließt: Ein Verlust für die Stadt] ''[[Berliner Morgenpost]]''.</ref> Free [[Wi-Fi]] is available. During major sports events like the [[2006 FIFA World Cup]], it was also home to a large television screen on which the games were shown to viewers sitting in the large open area in the middle.
The Sony Center contains a mix of shops, restaurants, a [[conference center]], hotel rooms, around 67 residential units,<ref>Aime Williams (October 2, 2017), [https://www.ft.com/content/e81f0daf-5e86-3485-9c63-b5339e28f76e Berlin’s Sony Centre sold for over €1bn] ''[[Financial Times]]''.</ref> offices, the [[Museum of Film and Television Berlin|Museum of Film and Television]], a [[Legoland Discovery Center]], and a "Sony Style" store.{{cn|date=September 2022}}
Free [[Wi-Fi]] is available. During major sports events like the [[2006 FIFA World Cup]], it was also home to a large television screen on which the games were shown to viewers sitting in the large open area in the middle.{{cn|date=September 2022}}


The Sony Center is located near [[Berlin Potsdamer Platz railway station]], which can be accessed on foot. A large, covered [[shopping center]], the [[Mall of Berlin]], is nearby, as are many hotels, [[Deutsche Bahn]] central offices, along with an office building that is home to the fastest elevator in Europe.
The Sony Center is located near [[Berlin Potsdamer Platz railway station]], which can be accessed on foot. A large, covered [[shopping center]], the [[Mall of Berlin]], is nearby, as are many hotels, [[Deutsche Bahn]] central offices, along with an office building that is home to the fastest elevator in Europe.{{cn|date=September 2022}}


==Gallery==
==Gallery==

Revision as of 05:46, 21 September 2022

For the Sony Centre stores in Europe, see Sony Centre. For performing arts venue/theater in Toronto, see Sony Centre for the Performing Arts.

Sony Center
Sony Center
The Sony Center displays a "cyberpunk corporate urban (futuristic)" aesthetic.[1]
Map
General information
Town or cityBerlin
CountryGermany
Groundbreaking1995
Construction started1995
Completed1998
Opened14 June 2000; 24 years ago (2000-06-14)
Design and construction
Architect(s)Helmut Jahn
Peter Walker (landscape architect)
Architecture firmPWP Landscape Architecture
Structural engineerOve Arup & Partners
Services engineerJaros, Baum & Bolles (JB&B)
Other designersWaagner-Biro
Website
www.sonycenter.de/en

The Sony Center is a Sony-sponsored complex of eight buildings located at the Potsdamer Platz in Berlin, Germany, designed by Helmut Jahn. It opened in 2000 and houses Sony's German headquarters. The cinemas in the center were closed at the end of 2019.

History

See also: Potsdamer Platz

In the early 20th century, the site was originally home to Berlin's bustling city center. During World War II, it was the location of the infamous Nazi People's Court. Most of the buildings in its vicinage were destroyed or damaged during World War II. From 1961 onwards, most of the area became part of the "No Man's Land" of the Berlin Wall, resulting in the destruction of the remaining buildings. After the fall of the Berlin Wall on 9 November 1989, the square became the focus of attention again, as a large (some 60 ha (150 acres)), attractive location in the heart of a major European capital city had suddenly become available.

As part of a redevelopment effort for the area, the space was to be developed. In 1992, Sony acquired the 30,000-square-meter (320,000 sq ft) site from the Berlin city government for 97.2 million German marks, about US$61.6 million. Shortly after, the European Commission briefly investigated whether Sony paid less than the market price.[2] Over the following years, a total of eight buildings[3] were designed by Helmut Jahn[4] and Peter Walker as landscape architect, and construction was completed in 2000 at a total cost of 750 million euros.

The iconic 4,000 m2 (43,000 sq ft) vaulted roof covering the central open area between the main buildings was engineered and built by Waagner-Biro using steel, glass and translucent fabric.[5]

In February 2008 Sony sold the Sony Center for less than 600 million euros to a group of German and US investment funds, including investment bank Morgan Stanley, Corpus Sireo and an affiliate of The John Buck Company.[6] The group sold the Sony Center to the National Pension Service of South Korea for 570 million euros in 2010.[7][8]

In 2017, Oxford Properties and Madison International Realty acquired the complex for close to 1.1 billion euros.[9]

From 1999 until 2019, CineStar operated a cinema, Cinestar Sony Center, and an IMAX theater in the center.[10] Both were used for screenings in the Berlin International Film Festival until their closure.[11]

Attractions

The Sony Center contains a mix of shops, restaurants, a conference center, hotel rooms, around 67 residential units,[12] offices, the Museum of Film and Television, a Legoland Discovery Center, and a "Sony Style" store.[citation needed]

Free Wi-Fi is available. During major sports events like the 2006 FIFA World Cup, it was also home to a large television screen on which the games were shown to viewers sitting in the large open area in the middle.[citation needed]

The Sony Center is located near Berlin Potsdamer Platz railway station, which can be accessed on foot. A large, covered shopping center, the Mall of Berlin, is nearby, as are many hotels, Deutsche Bahn central offices, along with an office building that is home to the fastest elevator in Europe.[citation needed]

  • Central forum
    Central forum
  • Exterior
    Exterior
  • Glass roof
    Glass roof

References

  1. ^ Suzuki, David (2003). Good News for a Change:How Everyday People Are Helping the Planet. Greystone Books. p. 332. ISBN 978-1-55054-926-3.
  2. ^ Inquiry on Sony Berlin Deal New York Times, February 5, 1992.
  3. ^ Arno Schuetze (October 2, 2017), OMERS buys landmark Berlin property Sony Center for 1.1 billion euros Reuters.
  4. ^ "Architecture Sony Center". www.sonycenter.de. Retrieved 15 April 2018.
  5. ^ "Sony Center – Waagner Biro / Steel and Glass facades". Retrieved 22 October 2020.
  6. ^ Berlin's Sony Center Sells for Bargain Price | Germany | Deutsche Welle | 28.02.2008
  7. ^ "NPS Acquires Sony Center in Berlin – News & Views – Hines". Hines. Retrieved 5 December 2016.
  8. ^ Berlin, Berliner Morgenpost - (21 May 2010). "Südkoreaner kaufen Berliner Sony Center". www.morgenpost.de (in German). Retrieved 5 December 2016.
  9. ^ Aime Williams (October 2, 2017), Berlin’s Sony Centre sold for over €1bn Financial Times.
  10. ^ Peter Zander (December 30, 2019), CineStar im Sony Center schließt: Ein Verlust für die Stadt Berliner Morgenpost.
  11. ^ Blaney, Martin (9 January 2020). "Berlinale 2020 adds screening venues in the wake of closures". Screen. Retrieved 21 September 2022.
  12. ^ Aime Williams (October 2, 2017), Berlin’s Sony Centre sold for over €1bn Financial Times.
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Sony Center.

52°30′36″N 13°22′25″E / 52.51000°N 13.37361°E / 52.51000; 13.37361

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