Borsigwerke and Borsigturm

In Berlin-Tegel, a cluster of ex-industrial buildings from the late 19th and early 20th century now stands as a reminder of a powerful era of engineering and design. The brickwork shows fine clinker architecture, with bold lines and rhythmic facades that once framed busy factory floors. Rising above it all is the Borsigturm, often called Berlin’s first mini high-rise. Built between 1922 and 1924, it reaches 65 meters and still commands attention on the skyline.

Borsigturm and the legacy of industry

The Borsigturm was more than a landmark; it marked a shift toward vertical architecture in a city that had long expanded outward. Its design symbolized confidence in modern industry, pairing functional form with expressive detail. Today, it stands as a clear signpost to the area’s past, surrounded by buildings that once powered a major manufacturing empire.

From factory floors to urban life

The former industrial grounds have moved into a new chapter. Workshops and assembly halls have been adapted into offices, while a shopping mall and entertainment venues bring steady activity through the day and evening. The mix of old brick and new glass creates a layered streetscape, where historic walls frame contemporary city life.

A storied name that endures

The Borsig name carries a turbulent history. The original company faced dramatic turns, including bankruptcy, and it is no longer a family enterprise or a distinctly “German” firm in the old sense. Yet the brand and assets were revived by investors, and production continues in Berlin-Tegel. The continuity of work on this ground links the present to a legacy that shaped both the neighborhood and Berlin’s industrial story.