Rotating 207 metres above the German capital, the Sphere Tim Raue restaurant adds a new architectural, culinary and cultural dimension to Berlin’s iconic TV Tower. The listed tower sphere is now home to a place that preserves history while also exploring new horizons. A holistic interior design concept by Dittel Assoziierte and the culinary signature of renowned chef Tim Raue fuse together to create a space that is so much more than a restaurant – and which has its own unique atmosphere and international flair.
Photographer: Martin Baitinger
Reinventing a landmark
Since 2020, Berlin’s TV Tower has been undergoing a gradual and meticulous transformation – from a mere tourist attraction to a vibrant cultural hub. The renovation of the historic revolving restaurant marks a milestone in this development.
Based on a design concept centred on respect for the building’s architectural heritage, the exciting culinary venue covers an area of approx. 420 square metres, sensitively recreating the iconic look of the late 1960s. Working hand-in-hand with preservation authorities to maintain the tower’s historic structure gave rise to an overall concept that embraces the architecture, interprets it spatially and recasts its singular atmosphere.
For us, rethinking a landmark like the Berlin TV Tower involves creating spaces that honour the past while pointing to the future, with a healthy respect for history and a clear design vision.
– Frank Dittel, Management.
MATERIALITY WITH ATTITUDE – A DIALOGUE BETWEEN OLD AN NEW
The retro materials and colours are inspired by the original design from the 1960s, warm cream and brown tones combined with accents of dark blue. The existing furniture was refurbished by resource-friendly means, while wall coverings were reconstructed to match the original decor and complemented with high-quality, durable surfaces.
The aim was to accentuate the interplay between the monolithic character of the exterior architecture and the inviting, contemporary interior. As well as adhering to historical preservation requirements, it was essential to adapt the dining area to the functional and atmospheric demands of contemporary high-end cuisine. Tim Raue’s signature style – typified by contrasts between sweet, sour and spicy – is reflected in the Sphere’s interior design, which also plays with contrasts: between the past and the future, the retro and the contemporary, the everyday and the exclusive.
Spherical geometry – a key design theme
The architectural theme of the restaurant takes its cue from the concentric geometry of the tower sphere. The layout is divided into three functionally and atmospherically differentiated zones, which come together to create a flowing spatial choreography – a radial movement between the exquisite view, the dining experience and the service.
The rotating ring – a radial space concept
The outer zone of the restaurant consists of the rotating ring adjacent to the glass façade. This is where guests sit – with an unparalleled 360-degree view of Berlin. The continuous rotation makes every visit a panoramic experience that changes with the daylight.
The middle zone – bright, calm and guiding
The internal walkway, which runs parallel to the rotating ring, serves as a central access area. It has been designed to be bright, open and friendly, with minimal lighting, light-coloured surfaces and deep blue carpeting to create visual calm and acoustic clarity.
Special attention has been paid to the lighting design: to prevent distracting light reflections on the glass façade at dusk and in the evening hours, the design includes specially developed table lamps with 3D-printed glare screens. This ensures an unobstructed view of the urban landscape at night.
The recesses – bar, wine niche and service areas
The functional elements are integrated into the wall zones of the inner ring. Here, a new travertine-look bar counter with brushed stainless steel evokes the historic decor, while an intimate wine niche invites guests to retreat for a quiet drink. Service corridors in a rich dark blue divide the space and create structured transitions to the technical areas. The ceilings in these areas are designed to be lower and darker – a deliberate contrast that further emphasises the radial spatial concept and enhances the dining experience.
The three connecting service corridors to the inner core of the tower are in dark blue.
This ‘colour-drenching’ highlights the semi-public function of these corridors as a transition zone to storage and work areas, payment points and service units.
Architecture as a dynamic dialogue: a key venue for Berlin – and beyond
Sphere Tim Raue not only transforms the physical appearance of the Berlin TV Tower but also gives it a new cultural identity. The architecture acts as an intermediary between old and new, function and atmosphere, landmark and venue.
The holistic interior design exemplifies a contemporary interpretation of public spaces that is sensitive to the existing structure, employs high-quality materials and is designed very much with the user in mind. It combines architectural style with culinary excellence, creating a venue that is equally suited to casual dining and special occasions.
This restores the TV Tower to its former role while at the same time transforming it into something new – a vibrant new attraction for Berlin and beyond. Authentic, future-oriented and deeply rooted in urban identity.
Sphere Tim Raue is more than just a new restaurant in Berlin’s TV Tower. It’s a statement for openness, remembrance and coming together in the spirit of our times. What was once a symbol has now been transformed into a space for community – multifaceted, inviting and with a deep-rooted connection to Berlin.
– Gesche Falkenburg, Project Manager Dittel Assoziierte.
