Second Life: 7 Moving Rehabilitations of Former War Bunkers

War leaves scars on the built and natural environment in immeasurable and enduring ways. From ruined cities to poisoned landscapes, our ancient and increasingly destructive forms of warfare have produced striking changes to the spaces we inhabit, not to mention the course of history. While wartime periods across the globe often reap untold destruction to individual lives, larger communities and the physical structures of society, they also produce their own unique architectural typologies called for by the circumstances of war.

One example of wartime architecture that continues to figure in the collective spatial imagination is the network of bunkers built around Europe during World War Two. These structures still dot the landscape and are a testament to the totalizing effects of war. It’s difficult at first to imagine functional reuses for these hulking windowless and airless structures, which feature massive concrete enclosures designed to withstand relentless bombardment. However, these relics of past conflict are compelling reminders of our precarious interrelations, forcing us to recognize that any present tranquility is neither guaranteed nor eternal.

The following collection of former bunkers have been transformed into private residences, energy plants, public spaces or reflective memorials. In creating new and productive spaces out of structures dedicated to destructive and violent programs, these projects demonstrate both the dangers posed by certain spatial objectives throughout history and the power of architecture to concretize and memorialize the traumatic past.

Bunker 599by Atelier de Lyon, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

This bunker set in a Dutch inundation plain was sliced through to reveal the minuscule interior of the concrete structure. A pedestrian pathway cuts through this and leads from a parking lot to an adjacent natural reserve, connecting citizens to the landscape and drawing them closer to the physical history imbedded within it.

Penthouse auf dem Hochbunker by Amort Architektur, Hamm Westfalen, Germany

This German bunker was unfinished by the time the war ended, cutting off at five stories instead of a planned nine. The architects took the existing bunker as an urban vertical plot on top of which they placed a private residence. While the residence is sleek and modern, the bunker itself remains intact and unchanged, showing signs of its historical function and the marks of time.

Boros Collectionby Casper Mueller Kneer, Berlin, Germany

Originally built to house some 3,000 soldiers in World War Two, this Berlin bunker was transformed into a private residence and art collection. Selected interior walls and ceilings were removed to create overlapping spaces that connect the different floors. The loft apartment sits on the roof of the structure and features an open plan of concrete, oak and limestone with a surrounding glass curtain wall that frames views of the city.

Euroboden High-rise Bunker by Euroboden GmbH, Munich, Germany

Creating much needed urban housing for the city of Munich, the architect transformed this protected bunker into apartments by cutting large windows into the 6.5-foot-thick concrete walls. The newly created commercial and residential spaces honor the historical character of the site and create usable, peaceful spaces.

Building no. 8 by Skälsö arkitekter, Gotland County, Sweden

This summer retreat created from a former military workshop bunker is found in an abandoned military site in rural Sweden. The architects chose a bunker with sea views and a south-facing façade. Holes were cut into the concrete to bring light inside and an inner courtyard was created, but little else about the interior space was changed, leaving the space much as it was found after its original use.

Energy Bunker by HHS Planer + Architekten AG, Hamburg, Germany

A landmarked former bunker in Hamburg was transformed into the heat and power energy plant for a surrounding residential area in 2012, and includes a rooftop café and viewing platform of the city. Utilizing almost all renewable energy, the bunker becomes both a public memorial and energy-producing infrastructure for today’s citizens.

Tower restoration in Huercal-Overa by miguelbarahona arquitecto, Huercal-Overa, Spain

This bunker dates back to the 13th century and sits on the top of a cliff. Though ancient compared to the other buildings found here, it retains many of the characteristics of the bunker typology. The architects added a Corten steel box that houses an information center with a raised staircase entrance 13 feet above the ground.