Protest at the Bierpinsel: Steglitzers demand use instead of vacancy!

Protest at the Bierpinsel: Steglitzers demand use instead of vacancy!

In the Berlin district of Steglitz, the notoriously empty property, the “Bierpinsel”, has once again become the scene of a protest. Around 50 activists gathered on the Joachim Tiburtius Bridge to demonstrate against the ongoing neglect of the iconic structure. The participants chanted political slogans and gave speeches in Schlossstrasse, a busy shopping street next door, while an activist took a seat directly in front of the building and was observed by police officers. This campaign is aimed at the vacancy and the planned office space in Bierpinsel, which has remained unused since 2006 until further notice.

The Bierpinsel, a 47 meter high building, was built in 1976 based on designs by the architects Ralf Student and Ursulina Student-Witte. Known for its futuristic architecture, the structure is also part of the Pop Art movement and was listed as a protected structure in 2017. Despite the internal and external art potential and the millions of taxpayer dollars invested, the building remains a shadow of its former self, plagued by problems such as asbestos, burst pipes and fire safety deficiencies. These difficulties have further delayed a reopening, although there have been several changes in ownership.

From historical significance to today's use

In 2021, the building was sold to an investor who was considering a conversion with planned offices and restaurants on the ground floor of the Free University. Residents and supporters of the protest movement, on the other hand, are calling for a meeting place for the community instead of additional office space. Sascha Müller, a spokesman for the occupiers, emphasizes that the action is intended to initiate a broad discussion about the future use of the Bierpinsel. “We want to stimulate dialogue about the vacancies and high rents in Steglitz,” said Müller.

The campaign not only found support among passers-by, but was also acknowledged with a greeting from senior citizens from Pankow who expressed their solidarity with the activists. In addition, the Kieztauben initiative organized a street festival against cuts and vacancies, which took place about 200 meters away and drew additional attention to the problem of empty buildings in the city. The Friedenau neighborhood initiative also provided information about other empty houses in Steglitz-Zehlendorf.

The consequences of the protest movement

However, the occupation ended abruptly around 6 p.m. when the last activists were evicted by police after the owner filed a complaint. Despite this intervention, the question of the fate of the Bierpinsel and other empty buildings in Berlin remains urgent. At a time when the right to the city is constantly being discussed, the protesters also place themselves in the larger context of the urban movement, which is directed against neglected urban spaces and unused potential.

“We finally have to talk about who owns this city,” says Müller, summing up the activists’ motivation as the debate about the future fate of the Bierpinsel gains momentum.