SEZ

The distinctive SEZ (short for Sport- und Erholungszentrum) opened in 1981 as a prestige project intended to demonstrate the GDR's modernity in the Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg neighborhood.

As part of the GDR's focus on independence and freedom from Western influence, the plans and concept for the building were vaguely attributed to a "Swedish architecture team" and were later implemented under the supervision of Erhardt Gißke (ASB – Aufbauleitung Sondervorhaben Berlin). For decades, the identity of the building’s actual architect remained unknown. In January 2024, however, Günter Reiß came forward in the Berliner Zeitung, revealing himself as the architect of the SEZ and putting an end to the long-standing speculation surrounding its authorship.

After just 27 months of construction, the building welcomed 16 million visitors in its first five years. With its open and modern design, bold exposed structures, and expansive glass surfaces ("Glasflächen"), the center quickly became a major attraction, where long queues were not uncommon.

After the fall of the GDR, the building gradually lost its functions and became too expensive to operate, leading to its official closure in 2002. Since then, parts of it have been sporadically used as event spaces, but the building remains largely unused and clearly in need of restoration.

Its fate remains uncertain: on one side are investors claiming it is beyond saving and advocating for demolition to make way for a mix of housing, educational, and commercial units; on the other, locals argue it is worth preserving, and that the cost of renovation would be far lower than building something entirely new.