Work has begun on Berlin’s latest meetings venue – CityCube.

The foundation stone has been laid for the multi-purpose hall, which will be the latest addition to the Berlin ExpoCenter City grounds. The starting signal was given today (Thursday) with three symbolic hammer blows. The hall is expected to be open in just 18 months.

The hammers were wielded by Michael Müller, Berlin’s senator for urban development and the environment, Raimund Hosch, CEO of Messe Berlin, and Volker Giezek, proprietor of  Dresden-based architects CODE UNIQUE to represent the collaborative nature of the project.

“Berlin has become one of the leading trade fair venues, and trade fairs have become a vital economic factor for Berlin”, said Müller, “The laying of the foundation stone for the CityCube therefore represents an investment not only for the trade fair company but for Berlin as a whole. I am delighted that the architectural competition has resulted in a building that will be not only extremely functional but has also been attractively designed.”

Hosch added: “In order to maintain its competitiveness Messe Berlin has for a long time needed more display space, in particular to reduce the backlog of demand at leading international fairs, and to establish new fairs on the market. The budget of €76m for the demolition of the Deutschlandhalle and the construction of the CityCube Berlin will be adhered to.”

A casket has been included with the foundation stone of the CityCube Berlin, containing copies of various Berlin daily newspapers from 5 July 2012, architects’ drawings by CODE UNIQUE, current publications by Messe Berlin, a USB memory stick with details about the new venue, and the building’s horoscope. The new exhibition hall, which has been designed to accommodate congresses as well, is being constructed on the site previously occupied by the Deutschlandhalle. It will have a capacity of 10,000.

Pictured:  Müller, Hosch, and Giezek bury the time capsule