KCRW Berlin: Amplified

Walking through the Funkhaus Berlin with its grand concert halls, sweeping hallways, and state-of-the-art equipment, one can’t help being reminded of “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.” The former GDR broadcasting studios are an enormous complex, housing cutting-edge sound technology within carefully preserved historical interiors and cavernous industrial halls.

Show Notes

Walking through the Funkhaus Berlin with its grand concert halls, sweeping hallways, and state-of-the-art equipment, one can’t help being reminded of “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.” The former GDR broadcasting studios are an enormous complex, housing cutting-edge sound technology within carefully preserved historical interiors and cavernous industrial halls.

The Funkhaus was designed in the 1950s by Bauhaus engineer Franz Ehrlich, who during World War II had been interned at Buchenwald and forced to design entrance gates and other concentration camp structures. He designed the Funkhaus after the war ended, including details like a stairway made out of marble from the former Reichskanzlei. At the time of its construction, no expense was spared, it seems: Valued in today’s currency, Studio 1 alone cost 8.3 billion euros to build.

Alongside contemporary additions like a 4D sound system called Monom and a massive dance area, these grand spaces offer concertgoers a unique experience as a venue: As Events Manager Christian Block says, once guests have arrived, “they’re just blown away by this fascinating building.”

Produced by Marlene Melchior

What is KCRW Berlin: Amplified?

Amplified is a weekly music show, originally broadcast on KCRW Berlin, featuring interviews with musicians from all genres, hailing from Berlin and beyond.