Supplying an emergency exit cover for the Futurium, Berlin’s museum of the future, located directly next to the Reichstag and Berlin Central Station, is a truly prestigious reference for ACO Passavant Detego. But this project made history for us not just because of its location. It stands out for its technical complexity, architectural integration, and the opportunity to contribute to one of Germany’s most visionary public buildings.
Join us on a visit to Futurium Berlin—where innovation meets infrastructure.
Opened in 2019, the Futurium Berlin invites visitors to explore questions about the future. As a museum, research hub, event space, and platform for dialogue, it combines multiple functions under one roof. With its striking cast-glass façade and open spatial concept, the building is a true architectural highlight.
In terms of functionality, Futurium is ahead of its time: it meets the standards of an ultra-low energy building, generates nearly all of its own heat and electricity via solar energy collectors and hybrid storage systems, and uses collected rainwater for cooling.
In a building with such advanced features, emergency exit systems must also meet the highest standards. That’s why ACO Passavant Detego was selected to deliver a custom emergency exit cover—combining safety, innovation, and seamless design integration.
Precision in every detail
The project focused on covering a horizontal emergency exit located on a plaza beside the Futurium Berlin. This exit serves as a rescue route for the building’s lower level in case of emergency.
The biggest challenge at the time came down to a seemingly small detail: the handrail of the escape staircase was required to extend all the way to the end of the stairs, rather than stopping short. While this may sound like a simple adjustment—just a bit more material—it posed a complex design question:
How do you integrate an automatically extending handrail into the system without disrupting the overall visual and functional harmony?
At ACO Passavant Detego, we solved this puzzle with precision engineering and a deep understanding of architectural integration—ensuring that safety and design work hand in hand.
Tailored to perfection – down to the smallest detail
At ACO Passavant Detego, we specialize in custom solutions for manhole covers and floor access doors. Most of our products are tailor-made—and the emergency exit cover for Futurium Berlin was no exception. For the extended handrail, we had to rethink many aspects of the design.
The puzzle analogy fits perfectly here. With a clear opening of 1.66 × 5.13 meters, the emergency exit at Futurium is far from small. It involves a significant amount of material and weight, which must work together even when idle—and especially under dynamic loads during operation. Despite its size, every component must be precisely engineered, moving into place within seconds of activating the opening mechanism.
Even with the added complexity of the automatically extending handrail, we successfully integrated it into the emergency exit system. While the exact mechanism remains a trade secret, the photos of the final installation speak for themselves—a seamless blend of safety, precision, and design.
It works – You’ve got our word on it!
Rapid emergency exit deployment – safe, reliable, and power-independent
Immediately after activation, the floor hatch opens via a hydraulic drive. Within just 25 seconds, the escape staircase—including the handrail—is fully extended and ready for use. This system functions reliably even in the event of a power outage. Naturally, the hatch is equipped with a fall and reclosing protection mechanism to ensure maximum safety.
The continuous handrail, extending to the very end of the staircase, adds an extra layer of security—preventing accidents during a fire escape, especially in the final moments. This safety feature sets a new benchmark in emergency evacuation technology.
Innovation Through Experience – Tailored Solutions for Every Project
Every project we undertake is unique, and each one teaches us something new. Special requirements often drive significant innovation. These experiences have positioned us as a leader in emergency exit system development. The additional expertise we gained during the Futurium project has already been successfully applied to other installations. Perhaps yours will be next?