Berlin
A ground-breaking industrial classic
Dominating an entire block of an otherwise unremarkable neighbourhood in Berlin's Moabit district, the impressive AEG Turbine Factory has to count as one of the city's most important architectural highlights.
Designed by Peter Behrens (who also later masterminded two iconic Alexanderplatz buildings), the 1909 development was intended to provide a functional, light-filled space that rejected a prevailing trend for 'historicised', decorative industrial architecture.
The streamlined yet monumental structure of steel, glass and concrete quickly set the agenda for an entirely new era of industrial design, making it one of the world's most influential buildings.
Worth seeing, if only to marvel at the mother of all subsequent factories.
See also:
Four hidden historic interiors
Charlottenburg's electric power station
Two Alexanderplatz originals
The AEG Turbine Factory: Huttenstraße 12-19, 10553 Berlin