The Harmony of the Whole

Wirtschaftsforum: The office, known beyond the borders of Berlin through the Hotel Adlon, has been a representative of architecture rooted in classical tradition. How did this architecture style typical for Patzschke come about?

Robert Patzschke: The Adlon Hotel was the first project in a classical-traditional style that was built after the war at such a prominent urban site in Germany; it changed and shaped the further development of architecture. Since there was only post-war modernism before, my father and uncle actually initiated a paradigm shift with this building. We orient ourselves on classical models but do not make replicas of them. These are buildings of our time, inspired by history and meeting modern standards. That we found our way to classical-traditional architecture over postmodernism was a long process that manifested with the Adlon. Behind it is the aspiration to improve the built environment a bit with our architecture and to contribute something to the community. This search for harmony and beauty is probably related to the twin existence of the founders, who had a very close relationship. This attitude has transferred to us, the office, and our way of doing architecture. We want harmony instead of dissonance, we aim not to provoke but to integrate, to blend our architecture into its surroundings rather than stand out; we seek a dialogue with the environment rather than a monologue or controversy. A good building is one that does not stand out. The founders' twin existence may also have contributed to their daring to step out of the prevailing architectural school at the time and take new paths, which was not always easy. Times were different; there was no internet, no associations or conferences for networking. Today we actively seek exchange, but even we have not always just encountered approval with our architecture.

Wirtschaftsforum: Over time, have certain focal points crystallized in the portfolio?

Robert Patzschke: Hotels play a major role, but we are also active in high-quality multi-story residential construction. Additionally, social housing construction will come to the forefront given the tense housing situation in the future.

Wirtschaftsforum: How do you view your role as managing director?

Robert Patzschke: I find my work very exciting and multifaceted, dealing with a variety of topics and people, giving lectures, interacting with teams, and engaging with legal and financial, but also artistic-architectural issues. Despite the most modern technology, our designs always start with hand sketches; this is how we approach a project. This method sets us apart from many offices. For me, the exciting thing about architecture is that it's an applied art that, unlike, for example, free painting, has to consider many limiting aspects like permits, statics, profitability, mathematics, physics, and not least the desires of the clients.

Wirtschaftsforum: The construction industry is in crisis. What advantages does Patzschke play to assert itself in the market?

Robert Patzschke: It helps that we have long been established in the market, but also that we work exclusively for private clients and serve a market segment not many serve. Our buildings are not subject to fast-paced fashion but are planned and built with aesthetic sustainability in mind. For us, sustainability means timelessness. We aim to create buildings that last across generations, whose architecture goes beyond mere utility and contributes to the beautification of the environment.