Fragments: New Way of Living in a Historical Urban Context
Place
Execution phase
Team
Professor
Institution
Berlin
Winter Semester 2023/24
Livia Kinzel, Matteo Tausch, Leonhard Rechenauer, Salvatore De Rosa
Gianluigi Freda
Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II
Map 1928
Source: fisbroker geoportal berlin The project „Fragments“ involves the development of two vacant lots within the northeastern block of the Gleisdreieck metro station in Kreuzberg, Berlin. The design engages with a multitude of influences derived from the historical significance of its location within the block, as well as the broader history of Berlin itself. Through an extensive study of the block‘s urban fabric during the Gründerzeit era, prior to the destruction caused by World War II, we opted to reestablish the original building line. This approach restores the block’s enclosure while introducing a sequence of semi-public courtyards that permeate the structure, fostering a porous interface that transcends the rigid division between public and private spaces.
Site Plan
Source: Landesarchiv Berlin Site Documentation
The entrances to these courtyards have been strategically placed to align axially with the most frequently traveled pedestrian routes around the metro entrance, creating an architectural invitation for passersby to explore these inner spaces. The sensitivity to historical context is combined with the pressing contemporary needs of Berlin’s urban landscape. The city’s acute housing shortage, along with the necessity of enhancing the livability and comfort of its public spaces, served as primary driving forces behind our design. The project aims to strike a balance between private residential areas and public or semi-public spaces, fostering social interaction while maintaining residential privacy.
Urban Strategy
1:1000 model
Architectural strategy
Urban design strategy
To achieve this equilibrium, we developed a modular residential system that allows for flexible repurposing beyond traditional living functions. The apartments are externally connected through a system of walkways, reinforcing a sense of community and permeability within the block. The living arrangements cater to diverse household compositions by incorporating a mix of duplex apartments of 150 m² and 100 m², alongside single-level apartments of 50 m². This variety ensures adaptability for different demographic and socio-economic groups.
Architectural Strategy
load-bearing structure axonometry
Corner building axonometry
Structural Strategy
A hybrid of the Schottenbau system and a column grid enables an open public ground floor with modular, repetitive apartments above.
The facade combines large windows with movable wooden panels for heat control. Glass surfaces alternate with recessed balconies for wind protection and privacy. A rooftop garden, shaped organically, shares space with photovoltaic panels, while extending Schotten add rhythmic depth.
Facade
east elevation
Luckenwalder Straße
Schöneberger Straße
Tempelhofer Ufer
west elevation
Public Engagement and Cultural Activation
The ground floor is entirely dedicated to public functions, hosting commercial spaces that activate the street level and contribute to the neighborhood’s vibrancy. At the corner of the building, a prominent glass façade reveals a spacious art gallery, serving as a cultural hub for both residents and visitors.
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Ground floor
Upper floor type 1
Upper floor type 2
Roof garden
AA section
BB section
Duplex and single-level apartment system
Street-facing facade close-up
1
2
3
Duplex/ single-level apartments variant
1. Duplex ground floor2. Single-level apartment3. Duplex second floor
1
2
3
4
Duplex/ single-level apartments variant
1. Duplex 1 ground floor2. Duplex 2 ground floor 3. Duplex 2 second floor 4. Duplex 1 second floor
Corner close-up
The project aims to provide continuity to the city‘s urban image while fostering a sense of community and participation among the building‘s residents, extending this inclusivity to casual passersby. The design encourages interaction between the building and the city, allowing inhabitants to seamlessly move in and out. Through its spatial organization, the project aspires to create environments that promote community engagement and social inclusion.