Juxtaposed: Generator Berlin

Oktoberfest may be a somewhat distant memory for Berlin but beyond the ale there is a globally renowned arts, music and culture scene that must be experienced. The city will be buzzing with the magic of some truly wonderful Christmas markets towards the end of the month with a couple of festivals in the meantime. From the 12th – 17th November the Berlin Short Film Festival will be showcasing work from over 100 countries at the event that has been running since 1982. For any electro-music lovers out there, the Worldtronic Festival presents “innovations in electronic music from all over the world” from 27th November – 1st December. With plenty to do, now it’s time to sort out where to sleep.

Berlin recently saw the latest addition to the Generator Hostel group open its doors where they continue to “challenge the traditional hostel concept.” While some may draw back in fear at the thought of budget accommodation there is  a whole host of hostels worldwide offering a hub that is stylish, edgy and culturally buzzing. The latest establishment from Europe’s largest and most innovative urban design hostel group features a bar, chill-out library, historic courtyard, event space and is situated moments from Museum Island. The rooms are also pretty swish.

Generator Hostel Berlin Bedroom

This is by far not your average hostel and like this month’s theme, the juxtaposition of both the internal style and very idea of budget accommodation is quite impressive. With help from architect Ester Bruzkus, the decor is rich in polar opposites with old vs. new, bright vs. dark and moody as well as rough vs. smooth and sleek. In addition to working with Bruzkus and then Mark Asipowicz of WAF Architects, there have been a number of artist collaborations in contribution to the interiors including the below mural by London-based Luke Embden.

Dining Area and Mural by Luke Embden

Chill-Out Library

Breakfast Area

Other artistic collaborations include the Urban Art Clash collective who will be in residence over the next few months and will be running a studio on the hostel’s top floor as well as curating an open exhibition in the basement event space. Bella Leonard has created a crochet sculpture whilst Sebastian Preschoux has set up one of his famous string installations in the cafe and restaurant. This format certainly sets the bar in terms of hostel accommodation and the Generator family also extends to Barcelona, Copenhagen, Dublin, Hamburg, London and Venice; plus with prices starting from €14 [Berlin] you’ll have plenty more to spend on the riches that the city has to offer. Other notable Berlin hubs include Circus Berlin and Plus Berlin.