In 2024, the Bergson Kunstkraftwerk opened in the west of Munich as a new space that unites art, music, cuisine and architecture in an impressive way. The multifunctional cultural venue emerged from a building originally planned during the industrial era of the 1920s and later designated a protected historic monument. Today, it is equipped with state-of-the-art technology. The building automation system was completely redesigned and also includes 14 of our Control 12 KNX touch panels, which are used as central control units. Visualisation is provided via the Gira QuadClient.
From lost place to smart building
Construction of the former Aubing heating plant began in 1940 as part of an unfinished industrial facility planned by the Reichsbahn. From 1952 to the early 1980s, it was operated by Deutsche Bundesbahn as a heating station. Afterwards, the building stood vacant and was rediscovered by Munich’s youth as a “lost place” and venue for techno raves. In 2005, the Munich-based family business Allguth acquired the largely decaying structure. Ten years later, the Stenger2 architecture firm architecture firm took over the planning for the redevelopment of the now-listed heating plant and the construction of a new adjacent building. By 2024, a multifunctional cultural venue covering around 20,000 square metres was to be created for concerts, events, exhibitions and more – equipped with state-of-the-art event technology, including our smart building automation.
Control 12 KNX touch panels in versatile use
Our 14 installed Control 12 panels are used at various locations across the site wherever staff at the Bergson Kunstkraftwerk need to control individual technical systems conveniently: in the “Bergson Gallery” art gallery, in event spaces, in exclusive spaces for private or business clients and the “Zeitlang” restaurant. Connected to the Gira FacilityServer, the Gira QuadClient provides a clear, user-friendly visualisation on the smart touch panels. Functions such as lighting, shading, window monitoring and scene control can be managed intuitively. The combination of powerful hardware, modern design and easy operation makes the panels an ideal solution for this diverse cultural venue.
The technical requirements are particularly high in the Elektra Tonquartier concert hall, one of the most acoustically innovative concert halls in Europe. Thanks to an immersive surround sound system, up to 478 visitors can enjoy a completely new and unique sound experience across a wide range of musical genres, from classical music to techno, as well as lectures. Microphones pick up the sound, which is processed in real time by a high-performance processor before being modified and reproduced via loudspeakers. All of this is supported by our smart touch panels.
Secure and reliable control during operation
The QuadClient interface on our touch panels is PIN-protected, allowing it to be used as a kiosk application. As the building is publicly accessible and the panels are installed in different areas, access must be restricted to prevent unauthorised use. All staff are trained in the functions relevant to their roles and can operate the panels as needed in their daily work.
A DMX gateway serves as an interface to KNX for controlling the general lighting. This allows for virtually delay-free dimming via the logic module. Event-triggered if-then logic routines are defined.
The panels are also equipped with TecTool, a solution developed by our partner TecSupport Smart Home GmbH. The software is programmed to monitor devices and detect faults. Swipe gestures and the home button are disabled to ensure that users remain within the approved visualisation and cannot alter system settings.
Trusted partnership with system integrator
The project was implemented by Heinemann Elektrotechnik, a company based near Munich that had already gained positive experience with our smart touch panels in previous projects. The 14 Control 12 touch panels are designed for continuous operation, offer compatibility with various visualisation platforms – in this case, the Gira QuadClient – and blend seamlessly into any setting thanks to their elegant and modern design.
Conclusion: technology enabling culture
The Bergson Kunstkraftwerk is a space that connects past, present and future – both culturally and technologically.
The decision to use PEAKnx technology was based on technical reliability, flexibility and visual integration. The use of our Control 12 touch panels at the Kunstkraftwerk shows how modern building automation can be unobtrusively and elegantly integrated into a listed building. A building from the past – modernised and intuitively controlled with the technology of tomorrow.
