Many urban development areas are struggling with inadequate infrastructure. In the newly emerging districts, there is not only a lack of adequate local amenities, but also a lack of attractive places that serve the common good and promote social contacts and exchanges between people of different cultures and lifestyles.
More than a thousand apartments and workplaces are to be built in the coming years on the site of the former Charlottenburg power plant, which at over 29,000 m² represents an important inner-city development zone in Berlin. In the immediate vicinity, on the banks of the Spree, is the limestone flour silo built in the 1990s – a building that was only used for a short time. As an identity-forming landmark, it is to be preserved and integrated into a new use.
The task at hand is to develop a creative and well thought-out concept that enables the revitalization of the former limestone flour silo, raises dormant potential and contributes to the upgrading of the surrounding urban area. The aim is to create a unique location as a cultural hub that creates identity, strengthens the community both internally and externally and promotes interaction with visitors. The aim is to create a communicative and open environment that facilitates a wide range of activities – from exhibition spaces and studios to numerous meeting rooms that encourage people to experience art, reflect and exchange ideas.
According to Walter Zschokke, “the archaeology of the gaze … helps to read what is seen …” with the aim of experiencing a very personal encounter with the building.
In view of the imminent densification processes in the surrounding urban area, this offers an exciting opportunity to recognize the potential of the building, to inscribe a new history and to develop sustainable uses.
Teaching Methods:
Building on the analyses of the topics “Building in Existing Contexts”, “Art and Cultural Mediation”, concepts are developed within the framework of the topics “The Significance of Public Space” and “Cultural Construction”. These are further developed through precise spatial refinements and almost exclusively on the basis of models, through “spatial sketching” in different scales, supporting the design. The design process will be accompanied by in-depth workshops and lectures on these topics
As an integrative design, the course is based on the examination of architecture as a spatial, social, cultural and constructive phenomenon.
Lecturers:
Franz Karner
Johanna Pils
Willhelm Luggin
further information
Kick-off: Mon, March 3rd, 2025, 10am, in Raumlabor, Hof 1
Meetings every Monday and Thursday 10:00 – 17:00.
An excursion to Berlin from 20 – 24.03.25 supports the introduction to the design topic. Participation is compulsory for design students. See details in the course description LVA 253.K95 Excursion Berlin.