Tutors’ note Due to the global pandemic, the beginning of the new term in fall 2020 proved to be exceptionally challenging. One third of our 40 first semester students were not present on campus when the Introduction to Graphic Design 1 course started. Travel restrictions, lock-downs, and visa issues forced them to participate from their home countries via laptop or mobile phone. Differing time zones meant that some attendees needed to rise early: A student in Mexico had to get up around 2AM in order to join us live at 9:15AM Berlin local time. At the start of the course, each student was asked to create a graphic collage of a Berlin Kiez (German local slang for “neighborhood”). Then, a more handson exercise was introduced; everybody developed their personal Kiez Character. These graphical creations emerged from paper-cut collages, hand drawings, “pixelated” sketches on squared sheets, and digital illustrations. Keep an eye out, and you may recognize one or another of the Kiez Characters depicted in this magazine.
In the second half of the course, our students researched, wrote, designed and edited a double-page magazine spread that introduced specific aspects of the neighborhoods. Some who were not yet in Berlin, working remotely from India, Mexico, Pakistan, and other places, nonetheless contributed surprising insights about their chosen Kiez. All students benefited from international perspectives. Their weeks of engaged, creative work resulted in the offering you now hold in your hands. About Berlin 3 was produced completely in-house at the Berlin international University of Applied Sciences. It was made possible by the extraordinary dedication of the students, who actively contributed to the course. Thank you to all participants, our BI-internal supporters, and special thanks to Daniela Aivazian who patiently worked with us to design this issue. Enjoy this About Berlin journey, Prof. Alexander Tibus and Anna Bernhardt, Course Tutors 5
