Observation tower and former water tower in Joachimsthal, Germany.
The Biorama-Projekt in Joachimsthal, Brandenburg, is a repurposed historical water tower now serving as a residential building with an observation platform. Located in the Schorfheide-Chorin Nature Park, it offers panoramic views and hosts cultural exhibitions, attracting numerous visitors annually since its opening in 2006.
The Biorama-Projekt is a repurposed historical water tower located in Joachimsthal, within the Barnim district of Brandenburg, Germany. Originally built as a water tower, it was left vacant in 1987 until it was purchased in 2003 by designer Richard Hurding and project manager Sarah Phillips. They collaborated with German architect Frank Meilchen to transform the structure into a residential building with an observation platform. The name "Biorama" is derived from "biosphere" and "panorama," reflecting its new function within the Schorfheide-Chorin Nature Park. The tower stands 21 meters tall and features a viewing platform where visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding Brandenburg forests and, on clear days, the skyline of Berlin, 35 kilometers away. The interior of the tower is divided into four levels, housing a workspace, bedroom, living room, two offices, a kitchen, and a bathroom, covering a total area of 140 square meters. Accessibility is ensured through a modern external metal staircase with 118 steps and a futuristic, wheelchair-accessible elevator. Since its opening on June 3, 2006, the Biorama-Projekt has attracted significant interest, hosting exhibitions and cultural events, and has welcomed over 125,000 visitors by 2016.
