Bücherbogen serves as an intermediary between publishers and customers, ensuring community-building. According to the owner «this interconnectedness and knowledge-sharing is the rewarding aspect of working at the bookstore»
Buchhandlung bücherbogen – art, design, photography, and architecture bookstore in Berlin
Located beneath the S-Bahn tracks close to Savignyplatz, Bücherbogen is a bookstore which boasts a collection of classic titles spanning art, design, architecture, photography, film, and fashion. Nestled within four interconnected brick arches, each space transitions to the next through smaller internal archways, guiding visitors from one specialist category to another.
Every arch is dedicated to an area of expertise, with its independent entrance. Books and magazines are displayed on metal shelves, all set against the backdrop of a brick ceiling and the resonating hum of passing S-Bahn trains.
Bücherbogen am savignyplatz gmbh. The Berlin bookstore under the arches
Wanda Spangenberg owns the bookstore, founded by her mother in 1980. «It is a family business», she explains. The bookstore is named Bücherbogen, which means ‘books arch’, since all rooms are under brick arches. «We have stayed in this location since the opening»she adds. «We never moved away from those brick arches». The bookstore logo also reflects an arch, and it is readable in multiple directions, like stacked bricks one above the other.
Thematic rooms define Bücherbogen’s layout: landscape architecture, graphic design, fashion, dance, and theatre
Inside Bücherbogen, publications are sorted by themes. The owner details: «The first room covers architecture, design and landscape architecture, graphic design, and normal product design. The second room highlights fashion, film, dance, and theater. The room afterwards is dedicated to photography and art. The last room is the Berlin section, where we give space to any kind of Berlin publications, including children’s books. These can range from art to photography, often illustrated by Berlin-based artists».
From industrial roots to bookstore hub: the evolution of Buchhandlung Bücherbogen
Bücherbogen was established on Knesebeckstraße, known as ‘the bookshop street’ due to its concentration of specialized bookstores. Nearby institutions like Technical University of Berlin and Berlin University of the Arts ensured a steady clientele, with students studying art and architecture frequenting the shop.
In the 1980s it was common to see prostitutes standing in front of businesses in the neighborhood, hinting at the area’s past ties to the night scene. Over time, the building underwent renovations, evolving into its present state.
Wanda Spangenberg reports that «Bücherbogen found its home beneath the railway in a former industrial building that once housed a car repair shop». Today, the area boasts a variety of bookstores. Customers know that when they visit, they can find from fiction to children’s literature, from art and architecture titles to guidebooks. Among all the bookstores in the area, Bücherbogen stands out not only for its diverse selection but also for its expansive space.
Bücherbogen approach to sourcing publications – the relationship with independent publishing houses and major publishers
Wanda Spangenberg and her team source their collection through distributor suggestions and independent research. Within the store, magazines find their appropriate spot in the thematic rooms, alongside related books.
Bücherbogen frequently collaborates with independent publishing houses, though they also stock from major publishers. The bookstore owner explains: «We carry a lot of international titles, like Apartamento and Sight and Sound, a film magazine from England. But of course we also offer German publications, such as Brennpunkt, a photo magazine, and Lettre».
It’s not uncommon for budding creators, especially the younger ones, to walk through their doors with magazines, seeking a space on their shelves. The store’s policy is clear: if a magazine resonates with their existing themes, it earns its place, irrespective of the magnitude or affiliation of its publishing house.
Beyond books: community-building at Bücherbogen Berlin Savignyplatz
The clientele at Bücherbogen consists of both tourists and locals. «We have a lot of traffic during the summer periods, especially tourists who walk around the area. However, we are also proud of our local customer base, the so-called ‘Stammkunde’ in German». When asked about the relationships with clients, the store owner emphasized the approach towards communication: «Engaging with customers, understanding their preferences, and interacting with them is a priority for me and our team».
At Bücherbogen, the essence of the work extends beyond the mere transaction of books. The team, composed of around twelve individuals, prioritizes building interactions with customers. The emphasis is not solely on the provision or sale of books but also on disseminating knowledge.
Bücherbogen serves as an intermediary between publishers and customers, ensuring communication and collaboration. According to the bookstore owner «this interconnectedness and dedication to knowledge-sharing is the most rewarding aspect of working at Bücherbogen».
Bücherbogen Berlin veranstaltungen: artistic conversations and visual journeys at the bookstore – exploring history, identity, gender
The bookstore regularly hosts book presentations, with discussions in both German and English. Attendees are welcome to sit and engage in conversations post-event. «This week we organized a meeting between Daniela Comani, an Italian artist who was in conversation with the art historian Miriam Schoofs. Daniela Comani’s pieces often explore the intersection of history, identity, and gender, as well as queer and feminist themes».
In the past three winters, the large shop windows showcased photography exhibitions. One notable display featured Berlin-based photographer Thomas Bruns, capturing Berlin’s transformations over the past twenty years through his book Land. This year, Molitor will present at the windows displaying his architectural photographs from the Bauhaus era.
The resilience of print is Bücherbogen’s vision for the future
The hope is for Bücherbogen to endure for another decade, with people continuing to purchase books and magazines. From her personal standpoint, Wanda Spangenberg has confidence in the resilience of books and magazines despite the ongoing digital revolution: «These forms of media will persist, because there will always be individuals interested in them. Presently, there is a resurgence in paper-based media ».
The belief is that people will maintain their interest in acquiring physical publications, especially due to the impact of the pandemic. With increasing reliance on laptops for work, the bookstore owner believes that: «there is a desire to disconnect from screens during personal time, opting for activities like reading or spending time outdoors. This is seen as the potential future».
However, there is an acknowledgment that adjustments may be needed in the selection of materials: the sustainability of a large space like Bücherbogen is uncertain, given rising costs such as rent and electricity. It is possible that in ten years, the store may need to adapt to a changing landscape.
Bücherbogen am Savignyplatz GmbH, Berlin
Bücherbogen am Savignyplatz GmbH, Stadtbahnbogen 593 10623 Berlin. Founded in 1980, this family-run bookstore led by Wanda Spangenberg, stands as a testament to the enduring allure of print, offering a curated selection spanning genres and frequently hosting interactive events.
Giulio Polverigiani
