Technische Universität Berlin Institut für Architektur Staircase Look Down

This image was taken inside the Technische Universität Berlin Institut für Architektur. The building is at the corner of Marchstrasse and Strasse des 17. Juni. From the outside, the structure appears a bit run down, but you'll know it‘s the right building because you can see the staircases from the exterior. Enter the building and walk toward the staircases. You may be asked by the university staff to show your student or teacher ID. If so, be polite and say that you're a visitor. You can explain that you came to see the famous architectural interior and there shouldn't be a problem. I took this photo from the top floor, looking down onto the staircase. For this perspective, I suggest photographing the staircase that points southwest, toward the Ernst-Reuter-Platz roundabout park. Walk up the stairs until you reach the top floor and then look down below to see the amazing view. Remember, professional photography is not allowed in this building. You may take your camera, but I recommend bringing a mobile phone so you aren't asked to leave. By subway: - Closest station: Ernst-Reuter-Platz (via line U2) - Head northeast toward Str. des 17. Juni/B2/B5 - Exit the roundabout onto Marchstraße and the destination will be on your right Address: Technische Universität Berlin Institut für Architektur, Str. des 17. Juni 150, 10623 Berlin, Germany

You can photograph the Technische Universität Berlin Institut für Architektur staircase any month of the year. In the winter, it will get dark around three or four o‘clock in the afternoon, so keep this in mind. There's definitely more time to take photos during the summer months when the days are longer.

During the day — especially at golden hour — the sun will flood the staircase in soft, natural light. There are two identical staircases, one is full of sunlight and the other isn‘t. I prefer the one without direct sunlight (facing southwest), because the sun and shadows add too much complexity to the photo.

Large professional equipment, like a tripod, are not allowed. This is a building in Berlin where you need a special permit to take professional photos, so keep your session short and try to only use a mobile phone. Also, be respectful of the students and staff.

I recommend using a wide-angle lens (18mm) so you can frame the different layers and lengths of the staircase.

Go to each level and see which spots suit you best. I preferred the view from the top level, but you can also create other captivating shots from different view points.

Another tip is to avoid standing directly in the middle of the staircase. At an angle, you'll be able to see all of the varying levels and stairs.

Place your model on the staircase that's directly below you. You can also try having them on an even lower staircase. Get creative and experiment with your own unique perspective.

All buildings of the Technical University are interesting and they offer different styles of architecture.

Next door to the university is an old cafe, frequented by students, called Café Hardenberg.

If you're visiting on a weekday, I recommend going to the former Telefunken-Hochhaus, now known as the Telekom High Rise. Take the elevator to the 20th floor and have lunch, coffee or tea at the canteen. The food is basic and inexpensive, but the view looking over Berlin is priceless! Even the views from the elevator are worth seeing.

I suggest walking down Hardenbergstrasse. If you love maps and travel guides, pay Schropp a visit. It's a truly unique shop. There's also the C/O Gallery, which is a popular art museum.

Keep exploring the area and you'll eventually see Bahnhof Zoo, the Bikini Berlin, Gedächtniskirche and our famous Kurfürstendamm. Kurfürstendamm was the number one boulevard in all of Berlin from the 1920s until the end of the 20th century.