Berlin: Research Project Aims to Reconstruct Clubs with VR Glasses
Berlin, June 15, 2026 – A groundbreaking research project spearheaded by the Technical University of Berlin and the University of the Arts is set to digitally preserve Berlin’s iconic clubs for future generations. Under the leadership of Steffen Lepa (TU Berlin) and Anita Jóri (UdK), a virtual archive is being established, designed to document the rich cultural heritage of Berlin’s vibrant club scene.
The initiative stems from a desire to recognize Berlin’s techno and club culture as a significant cultural heritage, as explained by Lepa in an interview with rbb. While historical research often focuses on distant pasts, such as Beethoven’s concert halls, Lepa’s team questioned why the club culture of the 1990s and 2000s should not receive similar academic documentation.
Digital Reconstruction Efforts Underway
Following the successful reconstruction of the Renate club as a 3D model, the team is currently working on a digital version of the Jonny Knüppel club. This club is slated for closure at the end of the year, adding its name to the growing list of venues affected by club closures in the city.
For the virtual reconstruction, the club premises are meticulously photographed and measured. These recordings are then used to create a detailed 3D model. In addition, students are documenting the club’s acoustics to digitally replicate them later. The archive will be further enriched with interviews with club operators and other key figures from the club scene. Jakob Turtur, the operator of Jonny Knüppel, sought out the research team himself after the club’s impending closure was announced. Turtur views the project as a valuable memento but also expresses concern: “Generally, I’m not doing so well with the prospect that this could only remain a digital memento.”
Immersive Experiences with VR Technology
In the long term, the reconstructed clubs are intended to be accessible via VR headsets. Visitors will then be able to virtually navigate through the spaces and listen to the music that once filled the clubs. This immersive experience aims to bring the past to life for a new generation and those nostalgic for bygone eras.
Beyond Jonny Knüppel, the project participants are already working on reconstructions of other historic Berlin clubs, including the legendary E-Werk and Bunker. The results are not only intended for research purposes but will also be made accessible to the public through exhibitions and other formats. This approach ensures that clubs that have long since disappeared or are on the verge of closure can at least be preserved digitally.
In 2022, Dutch artist Anne de Vries recreated the original Tresor club from Leipziger Straße in a 1:1 scale out of sand at the Kraftwerk Berlin as part of the Tresor 31 anniversary exhibition, highlighting the ongoing effort to preserve the memory of these significant cultural spaces.
Impact on Berlin’s Cultural Landscape
The closure of clubs like Jonny Knüppel underscores the fragility of Berlin’s nightlife, a cornerstone of its international reputation. The digital preservation project offers a beacon of hope, ensuring that the spirit and history of these venues are not lost to time. By creating a virtual legacy, the project contributes to a deeper understanding and appreciation of electronic music and club culture.
The initiative also serves as a model for how technology can be leveraged to safeguard cultural heritage in an increasingly digital world. The detailed documentation and immersive VR experiences will provide invaluable resources for researchers, historians, and enthusiasts alike, allowing them to explore and learn about the evolution of Berlin’s club scene.
The project leaders emphasize the importance of collaboration between academic institutions and the club community. By engaging with operators and key figures, the archive will capture authentic narratives and perspectives, ensuring a comprehensive and nuanced representation of this unique cultural phenomenon.
The ongoing efforts to reconstruct and digitize these spaces reflect a broader movement to recognize and protect subcultures as vital components of urban identity. As Berlin continues to evolve, this project will stand as a testament to the enduring legacy of its club culture, offering a virtual gateway to its past for generations to come.
