The heart of Urban Spree, Berlin, beats to the rhythm of the city, a centre for creation and recreation born of the artistic zeitgeist. Massive in scale and reach, the 1,700 sq m space in Friedrichshain serves as both a creative studio and a platform for a host of contemporary artists of all disciplines to promote their work.

Whatever the German equivalent of Cool Britannia is – probably too complicated for us to spell but undeniably happening – it’s happening in places like this, the old brick and concrete building taking on new life inside and out. Street artists have had their colourful way with the exterior which you can enjoy with a drink in the urban beer garden, while indoors you can find rare and independent books and magazines, clothing, art exhibitions and workshops. The Urban Spree Ateliers on the first floor produce much of the stuff for sale, and the creatives beavering away give the place a strong creative buzz which vibrates through every nook and cranny.