T he Palace of the People
Will Wilkinson 11071065 Urban Spatial Experimentation Manchester School of Architecture
P RO L O G U E I am not yet there where I was when I’m gone. No w, after the procedure is completed, I stand shortl y before abolishment. It will be hard to forget me, now that I am no longer there.
My presence in absence will echo. A c o l o s s u s o f c o n c r e t e , h i s t o r y, a n d t i m e d o e s n’ t l e a v e Without leaving something, disappearing w h e n e v e r y t h i n g i s l o n g o v e r. Gerhard Falkner
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CONTENTS 01 02 03 04 05 06
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Introduction The Palaces Connecting Ideologies Overlaying The Palaces Commercial Enterprise Eateries
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Lobbyist Offices University Laboratories Exhibition Spaces Living Quarters T h e Fo r u m
VO L K S PA L A S T
Exterior Render T he new Palace brings architecture of the privileged to the ever yday citizens
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0 1 I N T RO D U C T I O N Context
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0 1 / P ROV I D I N G A P L AT F O R M F O R P ROT E S T 02 / POLITICAL ACTIVITY AS EVERY DAY 03 / ENCOURAGING SOCIAL RESPONSES The project is imagined in future Berlin, with a new direction for German politics which encourages the mass participation of the people. Criticizing the current status quo, the proposition delves between Berlin’s turbulent historical ideologies and aims to influence political action through the arts of observation, conversation and participation. Through the encouragement of political activity amongst the everyday people of Berlin, issues are stimulated up the political agenda in a legal fashion, instead of through potentially damaging illegal activity which removes the integrity of the debate. The project was initially developed within the Kulturforum area of Berlin. Within this image (right), the Kulturforum is viewed as the new centre for Activism, on a legal and organised level. This platform for democracy means that people from all walks of life may have their say on their current well-being, situations and problems.
FUEL FOR THE FIRE
Conceptual Drawing The citizens of Berlin bring their political ideas together to spark a reaction
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0 1 / LO C AT E D I N B E R L I N, G E R M A N Y 02 / LEADING ROLE IN EUROPEAN POLITICS 03/ TURBULENT POLITICAL HISTORY The German capital, Berlin, is the third most visited city in Europe. Its position as an international city, as well as the rise of the creative economy, has seen it become a powerhouse on the European political scene. Germany’s strong economic status has been the backbone of Europe in providing some form of stability during recent economic crises.
Despite this Berlin’s individual status as the poorest metropolis in Germany, as well as the lowest performing industrial area, has meant it is an anomaly amongst the traditional capitals of Europe. The USE Atelier explored the city as a cultural phenomenon as well as its powerful history to develop a spatial strategy that both compliments and enhances the city’s rich culture. The analysis of activism potential within Berlin, along with the study of how activism has effected the city’s iconic history, has lead to this project combining the political potential with the historical influences to provide a future social influencer and cultural centre for this magnificent city.
T H E G E R M A N C A P I TA L
This project aims to deliver a symbiosis of the civic scale with aristocratic imagery in a development of the historic city to the modern democratic society seeing the reconfiguration of everyday life to centre stage. By taking the historic city into account, the new programme inverts the symbolic values of the Royalist Palace and projects the every day citizen of Berlin in to a valuable position of political and cultural power by providing the stage upon which to debate.
Project Location Diagram The city is seen as an icon of the modern democratic society and a hive of arts and culture
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B E R L I N WA L L 1961-1989
01 / HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE 0 2 / A TA L E O F T WO C I T I E S 03 / REINVENTING IDEOLOGIES Research for this project looked at the recent turbulent past the city of Berlin has encountered, specifically over the period of the Cold War. The period is a defining part of history in the explanation of what Berlin is today and many scars and memorial icons are still present. Further reading in to Cold War stories revealed that many views about East Germany are in fact hidden from the public eye, and there were more positive views about this period than many people may realise. In contrast to this, the book also highlights many of the horrors and the fear that was inflicted on many Germans who felt they could not speak out and voice their opinions because of the control the state had over them. Further reading of Matt Mason ‘Pirate’s Dilemma’ has highlighted ideas of how modern capitalism is progressed via the input of youth culture. Forward thinking entrepreneurs have taken advantage of youth culture, often through marketing and outlandish actions to move their respective markets forward. If we put this in the context of Berlin, can we take the positive ideas of the capitalist West Berlin and the communist East Berlin and remix them to create the new Berlin?
‘REMIXING’ IDEOLOGIES
Literature Studies T he ov erlaying of two periods of Berlin’s histor y to create a positiv e future
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0 1 / B E R L I N ’ S H I S T O R Y O F POLITICAL ACTIVISM 0 2 / P OW E R O F M A S S PA RT I C I PAT I O N During the Cold War young people in the GDR were expected to inherit ideological, disciplinary and social control in their lives, however many simply wanted to take control of their own lives. They looked to the West for a feeling of freedom, for their musical influences and clothing, turning their back on the prescribed model for living communist lives. Groups of hippies, punks and hitch hikers began to provoke the state, becoming increasingly political and often resulting in imprisonment. The turn of the GDR was largely down to the togetherness and protesting by the people of the East. Initially opposition groups formed in the GDR against militarism and against the destruction of the environment. The GDR government denied damage to nature through acid rain and smog, however support grew in to the 1980s. 50,000 people gathered in Alexanderplatz on 4th November 1989 in a peaceful revolution of chanting and singing which led to the fall of the wall just five days later.
CITY OF ACTIVISTS
Mass Participation Analysis History suggests that activism and mass participation in Berlin has led to great social change
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1. CDU 28.5% 2. SPD 24.6% 3. Left 18.5% 4. Green 12.3% 5. AfD 4.9% 6. Pirates 3.6% 7. FDP 3.6%
01 / DIVIDE STILL EVIDENT 02 / SUBTLE SIGNS OF EAST AND WEST 03 / RECENT UPRISINGS AGAINST C A P I TA L I S M The voting map for the 2013 General Election highlights an obvious ideological divide between East and West Berliners suggesting that perhaps opinions on political stance are still similar to those during Cold War times. The central image
is an aerial image showing the street lights in Berlin in 2012, clearly showing a distinct difference between East and West Berlin, a city supposedly united but still subtly divided in certain ways. The famous ‘Ampelmann’ traffic light is a proud symbol of Berlin, but is actually inherited from the Communist East Berlin. The hat was included to make the man formal because people ‘should respect a man in uniform’. The image was inspired by a photograph of Erich Honecker, Secretary General of GDR, in a straw hat on his holiday. Protests against capitalism and gentrification have increased in recent years as strong left wing views have felt reason to stand up against the more capitalist
THE DIVIDED CITY
government. In July 2016 3500 extreme left rioters attacked police outside a famous squat in Berlin. 123 Police were injured and it was a strong indication to the extreme views of some Berliners. The lack of opportunity to speak out their beliefs and be listened to meant that their actions had turned violent in order to create an impact. Creating a space where these ideas could be discussed with other citizens of Berlin would reduce violent demonstrations and both sides of the argument could be heard which would encourage a more reasoned resolution.
Political Divisions Analysis The city which prides itself on its new unified status is perhaps more divided than it seems
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Hierarchy is removed
Increased accommodation
Design for people
Meeting Places
Technological Advancements
Quality of life
Architectural Pride
City Growth
0 1 / S OV I E T S PAT I A L I D E A
further co-operation and integration within the community.
Berlin to be formed around a hive of political, social and economic activity.
0 2 / I N T E G R AT I O N F O R R E S P O N S E S
Physically it was represented as a public building with various public functions which planned to overlap in order to encourage this social response.
0 3 / C O M B I N I N G I D E O L O G I E S S PAT I A L L Y
Using this theory to integrate people with different political ideologies through a variety of positive programmes, as well as providing them with a space to legally discuss and propose ideas, is a way to help unite the city of Berlin. The new centre of Berlin will be an design for every day use, allowing a new centre of
The research generated in 5.1 led to a collection of spatial benefits using the analysis of the Communist and Capitalist ideologies. These spatial qualities are highlighted by these graphics (right) and have been encorporated in to the development of the programme for the design. It is important to note that neither that Capitalist nor Communist project has ever been fully realised.
The Soviet spatial theory of the Social Condenser was created in 1928 to encourage social responses, allowing for groups of society to mix and to encourage
SOCIAL CONDENSER
Analysing Spatial Qualities of Political Ideologies Combining the Soviet spatial idea of the social condenser with Capitalist qualities to provide a socially responsive building and political catalyst
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0 2 T H E PA L A C E S Site Choice
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TIME
ROYALIST
DESTRUCTION
1443 - 1950
1950
01 / EXAMPLE OF SOCIAL CONDENSER 02 / CHANGING SYMBOLISM 03 / FUTURE POTENTIAL Further analysis into the social condenser theory led to the analysis of specific examples. The majority of the examples were built within the USSR, with Berlin’s prime example being the Palast Der Republik. As a social condenser it acted as the House of the East German Parliament, however it also contained restaurants, cafÊs, art galleries, theatres and even a bowling alley.
COMMUNIST 1976 - 2008
RE-USE 2008
As a cultural space it was greatly appreciated by the East German citizens and surprisingly, given the fact it was the base for the DDR government, it was a place that the civilians felt that they could get away from the worries of the government. Originally the Stadtschloss (City Castle) was built on the site in the 13th Century, but the popular baroque style building was finished in the mid-18th century. After the Second World War the damage was so severe that the DDR parliament decided that the price to repair was not worth the money as it was symbolic of the imperialist Prussian Empire. In 1950 the Palace was completely demolished and by 1976 the Palast Der Republik was built in its place. Successful during its prime, the building fell in to disrepair in 1990 after the fall of the wall, and after asbestos was discovered it was closed to the general public. Several artistic events were held during the early
PA L A C E O F T H E P E O P L E
TOURISTS 2019 -
CITIZENS
2000s, but by 2008 it was eventually knocked down as it was symbolic of the East German government that the country was trying to forget. The steel from the Palast was melted down in nearby Kreuzberg and shipped out to Dubai to build the Burj Khalifa. Controversially this Communist symbol had been melted down and used as a Capitalist symbol. The new proposal for the site replaces the Stadtschloss, hosting a replica of the traditional baroque facade. Questions arise as to whether this is Berlin reinstating the symbolism of the Prussian Empire, whilst ridding the city of the more recent history. Is this selective amnesia a positive move for the city?
Historical Site Analysis The site has hosted architecture of great political significance, yet it will now become a place for the every day citizens
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2019 -
01 / CHANGE OF SITE 0 2 / TA K I N G OV E R T H E PA L A C E Although the initial site investigations and concept creation around the Cold War and activism was formed through the investigation of city wide Berlin, and more specifically the Kulturforum, the concept has directed the repositioning of the site to the new Humboldt Forum, within the city Palace. The initial site model of the Kulturforum was presented as a concept model, with both the trees and the architecture of this traditionally capitalist landscape represented in an underwhelming united monotone, the landscape has been highlighted in an emphatic red colour to make this the main focal point.
SITE CHOICE
Applying Concept to Modelling T he site of the Palace has a histor y of symbolism and activism
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RO YA L S C H L O S S
Photographs of Old City Palace It is argued by one architectural commentator that the demolition of the Berlin Stadtschloss and surrounding buildings in the 1950s ripped the heart out of old Berlin
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01 / HISTORICAL AND POLITICAL SIGNIFICANCE 02 / SPEECH BY THE KAISER 0 3 / R E M OV I N G T H E P O L I T I C A L B I A S FROM THE BALCONY OF THE SCHLOSS At the outbreak of war in 1914, the last Kaiser of Prussia, Wilhelm II, stood on the balcony of the Royal Schloss in Berlin and announced, “I know no political party and no denomination; today we are all German brothers� Following this iconic statement, forgiveness was given by the King to his neighbours and a request for a unity between all Germans in this time of need. This significant moment in Berlin history highlights the political significance that this symbolic piece of architecture has on the city, and Germany as a whole.
POLITICAL UNITY
History of the Schloss Moment of symbolic activism from the balcony of the Schloss causing a fracture of its previous architectural language
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PA L A S T D E R R E P U B L I K
Photographs of the Communist Palace T he Palast was the centre for the people and provided a house of entertainment and joy which contrasted with the oppressive regime
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01 / HISTORICAL AND POLITICAL SIGNIFICANCE 02 / PROTEST FOR BUILDING RETENTION 0 3 / S I G N S T H AT T H E PA L A C E M E A N T MORE TO THE PEOPLE THAN THOUGHT After the removal of the asbestos contamination in 2003, the building was occupied by a pressure group who decided to use the space to house art exhibitions, installations and other cultural events. Protests to save the building were shunned in 2006 when the government decided to rebuild the Stadtschloss, however the group remained in the building until its demolition in 2008. The movement, known as Volkspalast, saw a giant iceberg installed, the ground floor flooded for a boat guided tour and giant bath tubs made out of shipping containers hosted within the building. The group gained support due to their appreciation for the building, its significance and its reputation as a place for the people.
VO L K S PA L A S T
History of the Palast T h e d e c i s i o n t o d e m o l i s h t h e Pa l a s t a n d r e b u i l d t h e S c h l o s s w a s p r o t e s t e d b y m a n t E a s t a n d We s t G e r m a n s a l i k e
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The final cost of the H u m b o l d t Fo r u m i s nearing 1.2billion Euros.
The Schloss was the imperial Palace of Prussia.
The former use of the Palast was very popular i n E a s t G e r m a n y.
More people visited Humboldt Box than the art collection in 2015.
A missed opportunity to build without political connotations.
Pride over rebuilding a palace came before Programme decisions.
0 1 / D E L AYS H AV E M E A N T M A J O R FUNDING ISSUES 02 / DECISION TO REBUILD CAME LONG BEFORE PROGRAMME CHOICE 0 3 / C H O I C E O F U S E H A S P ROV E D UNPOPULAR WITH LOCALS
Described as “a grand blunder” by the New York Times, the demolition of the DDR’s Palast der Republik was a quick removal of a Communist icon for a Berlin who seemed embarrassed of its own past. Arguments against keeping the Palast included the price it would cost to renovate it, yet the city has spent 1.2 Billion Euros so far on rebuilding the baroque Schloss. Questions over the choice of programme for the building have been raised, as a museum for Non-European art was chosen. The artworks chosen were looted from the Prussian Empire in the 18th and 19th Century, yet have received minimal tourist attention whilst being housed at another location in the German capital. Could the new Palace be used more for the people of Berlin as an opportunity to create the unity that Berliners appear to be struggling to find?
PA L A C E O F TO U R I S M
The rebuilding of the Prussian Palace provides further political connotations on to the fact that the government decided to knock down the DDR Palast, and therefore it is possible to wonder why a decision to build architecture without these previous connotations was not agreed to. The site does need addressing, but the returning symbolism of selective amnesia has to end. This project will work with the new Humboldt Forum architecture, but proposes a new programme which will compliment the ambitions of the politically active people of Berlin, whilst providing a connection and union point for the city centre.
Programme Analysis of the 2006 Proposal The cost of the rebuild has drawn major criticism and programmatic decisions were condemned as after thoughts which lack significance
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FFL +30250
D o m e L e v e l : D e b a t i n g Fo r u m / Main Auditorium
Service Cores: Main Access routes and WC /Services
M A J O R D E S I G N F E AT U R E S
FFL +25500
Garden Level: Gardens
Private
Roof
FFL +20400
Third Level: Living Quarters / Laboratories / Art Gallery
01 / CONNECTING IDEOLOGIES 0 2 / OV E R L AY I N G T H E PA L A C E S 03 / SCALES OF INTERACTION P RO G R A M M E E L E M E N T S FFL +14200
0 1 / C O M M E RC I A L E N T E R P R I S E
Second Level: Living Quarters / Fo r u m Restaurant / Art Gallery / Laboratory
0 2 / E AT E R I E S 0 3 / A RT G A L L E R I E S
FFL +7120
First Level: Living Quarters / Art Gallery / Dining Halls / Lobbyist Offices
FFL +0000
Ground Level: Shopping / Art Gallery
FFL +0000
Landscape: Public Park Amphitheatre for public use
04 / HUMBOLDT UNIVERSITY L A B O R ATO R I E S 05 / LOBBYIST OFFICES 0 6 / L I V I N G Q UA RT E R S 0 7 / F O RU M S
VO L K S PA L A S T
Proposed Programmatic Arrangement The programme is designed to encourage social interaction between different user groups
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03 CONNECTING IDEOLOGIES Design Decisions
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0 1 / J U X TA P O S I N G A X I S F E AT U R I N G C O M M U N I S T A N D RO YA L I S T ARCHITECTURE
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R E E B R T ST EN A C E
02 / CENTRAL AXIS OF THE CITY T IS U RT R E TOEN C
03 / PLAN TO DEVELOP PHYSICAL A N D M E TA P H O R I C A L L I N K B E T W E E N BOTH SIDES The immediate surrounding area features some of the most iconic and most visited buildings in Germany, so therefore it is important to consider these in context when designing for such a prestigious site.
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These buildings include educational institutes as well as museums and the unofficial cathedral of Berlin. Historically the museum island has been the centre of the city, and that is no different today, but the architecture is very much classical in style.
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On the perpendicular axis to the island is the TV Tower, leading up to Alexanderplatz; the main public square of East Berlin. The Spree River forms a physical divide between the two iconic landscapes. The Museum Island site contains strong geometries which define the shape, position and accessibility of the architecture within it. It is important to note the physical impact that the River Spree has on the site, as it provides the physical separation between the East German architecture of the TV tower and surrounding landscape. The new site master-plan will aim to develop a physical link between both the Lustgarten and the Marx Engels platz, physically reconnecting them as a single entity. It is also important to note that the main thoroughfare of the site is the main road of Unter den Linden which connects to Karl-Leibknecht Strasse when it reaches the Palace. Unter den Linden is the historic royal passage through central Berlin, whilst the other street is named after the founder of German Communism.
River Spree
CONNECTING IDEOLOGIES
Local Site Analysis The design connects the tourist centre of Berlin with the Communist architecture
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0 1 H u m b o l d t Fo r u m
02 Connection of City
03 Separation from Past Symbols
04 Providing Public Connections
05 Crossing Programmes
06 Connecting City through Programme
07 Separating Symbols with Programme
08 Repositioning Connections within Palace
09 Removing Boundary with East
10 Palace Connecting with Whole Context
11 Using Programme as Reconnection
11 New Stadtschloss Social Condenser
C O N N E C T I O N E X P LO R AT I O N
Design Sketch Diagrams By connecting the two ideologically themed areas of Berlin the design is unifying the city and providing a new centre
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01 / PHYSICAL SLICES THROUGH THE B A RO QU E FA C A D E 0 2 / H I N T S O F T H E PA L A S T D E R R E P U B L I K FA C A D E 03 / CONNECTING THE SYMBOLIC AREAS PHYSICALLY
For the design proposal, a subtle but provocative gesture was needed which would highlight the symbiosis of the ideological differences within Berlin, without being too politically aggressive or overwhelming. Dealing with such an extravagantly designed building is particularly sensitive as the combination or contrast of architectural styles has the potential to create a master-piece or a travesty. Looking at RAAAF’s design for an intervention in the Netherlands, they sliced open a World War Two bunker. Traditionally known as somewhere that should be unpenetrable, this iconic installation leads the intrigued through the interior, allowing you to view the building in a completely different way to before.
C O N N E C T I O N V I A S E PA R AT I O N
By slicing through the Humboldt Forum, this architectural statement will reveal elements of the Palast der Republik on its inside, showing how the Communist spatial ideas have been used for a positive outcome, in creating this Social Condenser. The physical split is created in order to physically connect the Marx Engels Park with the Lust Garden, creating a much larger public space. This new space represents the coming together of ideologies, but also physically means a new public route is created.
Design Proposal The physical split through the Baroque facade highlights that the core values behind the project are from the Soviet spatial theory
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BERLIN, MITTE Location Plan 1:2500
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P U B L I C S PA C E
Exterior Render T he new cut through the facade provides a visual connection with both the Communist Park and the Royalist Gardens
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Baroque Detailed Window Fitting Modern Single Pane Window Fitting
Stone Window Frame
Sandstone Balustrade Retained Stone Render Brick Work Insulated Wall with Plasterboard Finish Stone Slabs on Concrete Screed angled for surface run off DPM In-Situ Concrete Brick Work Stone Facade Detail fixed with Stone Fixing Hooks Brick Work Arch Rendered Finish
Sandstone Detailing Pre-Cast Concrete Wall and Floor Slab Rigid Insulation Layer
Brickwork Concrete Column with Stone Render Finish Stone Window Frame
BA L C O N Y D E TA I L Detail Drawing 1:20
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0 4 OV E R L AY I N G T H E PA L A C E S Design Decisions
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B E R L I N E R S TA D T S C H L O S S 1443 - 1950
01 / SUBVERTING SYMBOLISM
PA L A S T D E R R E P U B L I K 1976 - 2008
this city of rich history.
0 2 / OV E R L AY I N G O F T H E IDEOLOGIES
Analysis of the two Palaces together was undertaken in order to truly combine the theories behind both buildings and to incorporate ideas from both. As the Schloss was to be rebuildt it was important to take the existing structure in to account as this would be receiving minimal change, however the Palast der Republik needed a subtle design to impose its presence on to the building.
0 3 / R E M OV I N G H I S TO R I C A L A M N E S I A
The idea of combining the two was to subvert the symbolism of choice between the ideologies, and overlay them to represent both as historical monuments within
The rigid structure of the Palast der Republik was particularly imposing as it showed a regimented formation which echoed the acts of the government.
T H E T W O PA L A C E S Existing Plan Overlay 1:2000
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With the government deciding to remove one and rebuild the other, effectively they were choosing which part of history they wanted to represent, where this design is to create an overlay and not erase such a important part of recent history.
01 / UTILISING THE STRUCTURAL G R I D O F T H E PA L A S T D E R R E P U B L I K 0 2 / M O N U M E N TA L S T RU C T U R E TO IMPOSE ON THE SITE
The exploration of overlaying the palaces lead the design towards a physical imposition of the structural grid of the Palast der Republik upon the new Schloss building. The ones structural steelwork would be rebuilt as an architectural detail which would ghost the site and show the scale and monumentality of the palace which has been removed.
over the structure, as well as a natural formed structure made from trees. However the final decision was taken to use just the vertical steel sections which would provide enough of an imposition without sheltering the existing architecture.
Testing in the form of sketch models took place which featured ideas of a roof
T H E T W O PA L A C E S
Model Exploration 1:2000 Te s t s w e r e c a r r i e d o u t t o e x p l o r e d e s i g n i t e r a t i o n s f e a t u r i n g t h e s t r u c t u r a l g r i d f r o m t h e P a l a s t d e r R e p u b l i k u p o n t h e S c h l o s s
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01 / BEACONS OF LIGHT 02 / FULL STRUCTURAL GRID 03 / STEEL PUNCHING THROUGH EXISTING STRUCTURE
Further modelling with lighting rods looked at an attempt at lighting the architectural steel work to create an imposing lit structure at night which would glow in the Berlin night sky. The beacons would provide a ghostly effect to both the steelwork and the baroque facade, but also provide a safer environment for citizens at night. The height of the steel work would represent the Palast der Republik (36metres) and therefore
A RC H I T E C T U R A L D E TA I L S
the lighting would be far enough away from the residential windows as to not cause lighting pollution or disturbance at night. The model was initially created with simply the outer structural grid of the Palast der Republik, however after further consideration and appreciation of the lighting out put it was decided that the full grid would be overlayed on the site, with the steelwork punching through the existing structure.
Model Exploration 1:1000 T h e d e c o r a t i v e s t e e l w o r k w i l l l i g h t u p t h e n i g h t s k y, h i g h l i g h t i n g t h e g h o s t l y i m p o s i t i o n o n t h e s i t e
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DESIGN DIAGRAM DESIGN DIAGRAM
Isometric View T he two Palaces are overlayed and the powerful symbolism is subverted
Isometric View T he two Palaces are overlayed and the powerful symbolism is subverted
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S C H LO S S P L AT Z Site Plan 1:1000
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SOUTH VIEW Palace Elevation 1:500
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EAST VIEW
Palace Elevation 1:500
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N O RT H V I E W Palace Elevation 1:500
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WEST VIEW
Palace Elevation 1:500
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01 / STEEL
02 / COPPER TRIM
The steel columns are finishing with an anodising coat which helps to provide a waterproof layer to the architectural steel. As they are subject to the elements a certain weathering may occur.
As part of the palace overlaying the new design features a copper trim on the interior which lines the floor plate of where the Palast der Republik once stood. Obviously this only features on the side of the building upon which the Palast was, however it runs through every wall on this side causing an artistic detail.
03 / SANDSTONE
04 / BRONZE MIRROR GLASS
05 / STONEWORK
The traditional baroque detailing is retained on the majority of the design as an attempt to cause minimal impact to the new Humboldt forum building. Sandstone columns and details help to embellish this fascinating facade.
The iconic glass facade of the Palast der Republik is being replicated on the new design as it helps to represent the soviet spatial strategy that has been input on the new programme. The cut through sections of the building feature this material.
The modern facade of the Humboldt Forum designed by Franco Stella was subject to great criticism, but it would be against the theories developed in this project to then remove this due to distaste, so the new design incorporates this facade.
S P E C I F I C M AT E R I A L C H O I C E S
Design Analysis T he chosen materials have specific relevance to the overlaying of the two Palaces
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0 5 T H E C O M M E RC I A L E N T E R P R I S E Programme Elements
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01 / BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES The shops provide a marketplace within the forum, similar to the original forum/ agora design from Ancient Greece. They provide an active programme for the daytime within the new Volkspalast.
02 / ACTIVE DAILY PROGRAMME The market place will form part of the public piazza area, providing a lively atmosphere, much like that of Covent Garden in London.
0 3 / S H O P P I N G A N D R E TA I L U N I T S The shops will be housing small local businesses in an effort to give them a public stage to grow their companies. This will help local industry on a smaller scale and put them in the public eye. The units must be adaptable and allow for individuality by the users. For this reason the units are stripped back to the concrete structure with exposed M&E equipment and concrete floors.
C O M M E RC I A L E N T E R P R I S E
Location Axonometric Diagram B u s i n e s s O p p o r t u n i t i e s w i t h i n t h e Vo l k s p a l a s t p r o v i d e a d a i l y p r o g r a m m e
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STREET LEVEL
Floor Plan 1:500
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C O M M E RC I A L E N T E R P R I S E
Evening Render T he Baroque style effortlessly blends with the moder n details of the shopping quarter
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0 6 E AT E R I E S Programme Elements
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01 / NIGHT AND DAY PROGRAMMES Taking precedents from the original Palast der Republik, the integration of restaurants and cafĂŠs in to the public arena provides a source of entertainment for the public in the evening time. It is important to be considering the everyday use of the forum and this activity provides another source of protagonist from the shops and the park.
0 2 / F E AT U R E S F RO M PA L A S T The different eateries are for different scales of meeting and social integration. The first floor dining hall is a typical shopping mall food hall, whilst the restaurant featured on the second floor below the dome is a high end restaurant based on one of the restaurants in the Palast der Republik. These part of the new Palace are the most public spaces, but by crossing levels allows the crossing of the agendas.
0 3 / P ROV I D I N G T R A D E F O R BU I L D I N G The restaurants featured will be traditional Berlin eateries, allowing local business trades to make use of the new building. A variety of prices will be provided to ensure a cross section of Berlin citizens would be tempted to visit.
E AT E R I E S
Location Axonometric Diagram Programme elements which encourage social interaction are inherited from the Palast
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Location: First Floor Specification: Dining Hall Users: Public Programme Connection: Shops
Location: First Floor Specification: Canteen Servery Users: Private Programme Connection: Lobbyist Offices
01 / SCALES OF MEETING PLACES 02 / CIRCULAR LAYOUTS BASED ON ASSEMBLY ANALYSIS 0 3 / D I R E C T R E D E S I G N F RO M PA L A S T There are three typologies to the restaurant space design with the Volks palast. The first food hall is directly linked with the shopping mall aspect and alls for a informal eating space for fast food. The informal layout echoes this and encourages the use of space and interaction.
E AT E R I E S
The design of the restaurant spaces within the lobbyist offices have taken direct consideration from the analysis of assembly layout in parliament assemblies (see diagrams below). The round layout is used to encourage fair debate, interaction and social responses. The final restaurant is located within the dome core of the building and is directly linked to the forum space above it. The restaurant is directly designed from one of the restaurants within the Palast der Republik and is aimed at being a high end restaurant which would form part of the forum programme.
Floor Plans 1:500 Users are encouraged via the design layouts to interact and integrate
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Location: Second Floor Specification: High End Restaurant Users: Public Programme Connection: Forum/Auditorium
07 LOBBYIST OFFICES Programme Elements
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0 1 / P ROV I S I O N O F FA C I L I T I E S 50% of total civic engagement is accounted for by Activist groups. For the citizens of Berlin to organise their own activism, there is reason to believe that they will need facilities to do this.
02 / OFFICES FOR MEETINGS A series of offices will be provided which can be used by members of these activists groups, allowing them to plan their debates, protests or even host meetings with members of parliament.
0 3 / S C A L E S O F M E E T I N G S PA C E The offices provided will include meeting rooms, computer suites and printing rooms. Again, the provision of meeting spaces on a different scale to the organised forum spaces allows for a smaller groups to meet and discuss and for ideas to be tested before they are protested about or campaigned for. Regular meetings will be provided which encourage people to voice their opinions and listen to others.
LOBBYIST OFFICES
Location Axonometric Diagram Providing a space for locals to organise and discuss their political support
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Location: First Floor Users: Semi-Private Programme Connection: Forums
0 1 / S E R I E S O F M E E T I N G S PA C E S 0 2 / P ROV I S I O N F O R A LT E R AT I O N S 03 / EXTERNAL VIEWS A series of meeting spaces is provided for the political activists of Berlin which is based on the government offices from within the Palast der Republik. This direct link from the parliamentary spaces symbolizes the transition of decentralisation from parliamentary based politics to a more democratic based politics which encourages much more user representation. The rooms feature movable partition walls meaning that spaces can change for conferences and other uses. The features also allow for future transition of spaces and is a consideration for further uses of the building. The offices take advantage of the views outside the Palace, with two large windows per meeting room. The views include that of the Cathedral and museum buildings , as well as the forum space and public park within the centre of the Volkspalast.
LOBBYIST OFFICES
Floor Plans 1:500 and 1:200 Layouts and fur niture are heavily influenced by the Palast der Republik
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LOBBY OFFICES
Interior Render C o p p e r Tr i m s h i g h l i g h t t h e p o s i t i o n o f t h e f l o o r p l a t e s o f t h e P a l a s t d e r R e p u b l i k
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0 8 H U M B O L D T U N I V E R S I T Y L A B O R ATO R I E S Programme Elements
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0 1 / P ROV I S I O N F O R T E C H N O LO G I C A L A DVA N C E M E N T Part of the programme proposal for the original Humboldt forum was to include a connection with the Humboldt University which would see a series of technology laboratories included. Technological advancement was one of the spatial qualities established earlier in the project.
02 / CONNECTION WITH UNIVERSITY The connection with the university would help to encourage a student presence within the new Volkspalast, allowing for a wider network of users and encourage further social condensing. On top of this, the technology laboratories would help further technological advancement and see Berlin as a World technology centre.
0 3 / H I G H - T E C H L A B O R ATO R I E S The small number of laboratories will contain high-tech equipment and computer programming suites. As well as this, social spaces for the students will be part of the arrangement.
H U M B O L D T U N I V E R S I T Y L A B O R ATO R I E S
Location Axonometric Diagram Combining a space created by Berlin locals with a prog ramme chosen for the Humboldt For um
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0 1 / W H I T E C U B E L A B O R ATO RY 0 2 / S P E C I F I C T E A C H I N G S PA C E S 0 3 / V E R S AT I L E RO O M L AYO U T S The main laboratory space created is a recreation of one of the spaces created in the Palast der Republik after its occupation by protest groups in 2003. The space was designed for art installations and was a vast white room which blocked out any natural daylight and featured 160 white neon tubes to create an incredible bright space. This space is perfect for the laboratory testing and can be manipulated by the university for specific needs. Certain rooms have been created with fixed layouts which can allow for teaching spaces and university lectures, however many of the spaces have been specifically left for the manipulation by the future tenants due to their specific needs. An extra WC core has been added on the fourth floor due to lack of access to the central core that the White Cube laboratory creates. Fire risk has been reduced by the inclusion of a sprinkler system within the exposed M&E equipment.
White Cube Lab
Location: Second Floor Users: Private Programme Connection: Forum
H U M B O L D T U N I V E R S I T Y L A B O R ATO R I E S
Floor Plans 1:500 Due to the specific needs of the programme, clean, white spaces have been provided with acoustic insulation
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Location: Third Floor Users: Private Programme Connection: Forum
H U M B O L D T L A B O R A T O RY
Interior Render T he structure of the Palast subtly imposes itself within the programme
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0 9 E X H I B I T I O N S PA C E Programme Elements
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0 1 / R E L E VA N T A RT An art gallery was proposed by the government for the Humboldt forum, however it was to house artworks that were looted by the former Prussian empire. The idea of this art space is to provide Berlin citizens with a space to house a variety of art exhibitions and shows. Art work from the former Prussian Palace and Palast der Republik will also be displayed in the ground floor reception spaces.
02/ ENTRANCE PROCESSION The main exhibition space is located on the second floor, with a double height room which uses the large natural daylight to enhance the mood within the space. Due to the nature of the works, natural day light is acceptable to be used to light the artwork. The main procession from the ground floor up to the art gallery is an exaggerated escalator which makes the route in to a experiential journey.
0 3 / AU D I TO R I U M S PA C E S Two extra auditorium spaces are added on the second and third floor which combine the idea of the forum and meeting spaces with the art gallery. This allows spaces for teaching, conferences and shows to be held, which can combine programme elements such as the University and the Art gallery.
E X H I B I T I O N S PA C E
Location Axonometric Diagram A processional experience which captures the consumer in a journey through the building history
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Location: Ground Floor Users: Public Programme Connection: All
0 1 / D O U B L E H E I G H T S PA C E 02 / ERICH’S LAMPENLADEN 0 3 / D I S P L AY I N G R E L E VA N T A RT The double height space adds to the experiential journey from the ground floor up to the second floor and highlights the size of this vast palace building. As part of the display, a recreation of the lighting display which was the main feature of the Palast der Republik has been added which creates a magical atmosphere and replicates a starry sky. The Palast was known as Erich’s Lampenladen (lamp shop) due to its impressive display of 1001 light fixtures in the hall way. Part of the art works on display will be historical images of the architecture that has inhabited this site, and also the artwork which was removed from the buildings when they were previously demolished.
Location: Second Floor Users: Public Programme Connection: All
E X H I B I T I O N S PA C E
Location: Third Floor Users: Public Programme Connection: All
Floor Plans 1:500 T he space takes advantage of the Palace dimensions to create an atmospheric exhibition room
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A RT G A L L E RY
Interior Render Artwork extracted from both Palaces is displayed, whilst moder n exhibition spaces feature upstairs
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E X H I B I T I O N S PA C E
Interior Render Iconic features from the Palast der Republik are displayed to highlight the symbolic presence of the Palaces
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1 0 L I V I N G Q UA RT E R S Programme Elements
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0 1 / R E M OV I N G H I E R A RC H Y The social housing aspect of the programme is a way of allowing the citizens of Berlin to move in to the old city palace, removing the political connotations that it previously held and allowing them to be centre stage.
0 2 / R E C R E AT I O N S PA C E S A large number of apartments is provided and means that there is a 24 hour presence within the Palace. They spread across the different floor plates to integrate with different programmes. A central space between each group of apartments will provide a intermediate forum between the inhabitants. This social space would be the beginning of their social condensing each day.
03 / CONTRIBUTING TOWARD THE HOUSING CRISIS The apartments will be simple, cheap to rent flats, allowing them to be rented to typical Berlin tenants. There is a housing crisis within Germany currently and this is a small step to help with that issue. The cross over between the social housing and the forums allows people to provide arguments for and against further developments, as well as get their stories heard.
L I V I N G Q UA RT E R S
Location Axonometric Diagram Bringing the architecture of the priveleged to the every day citizen
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0 1 / O P E N P L A N L I V I N G S PA C E 0 2 / S E M I - P R I VAT E RO O F G A R D E N 03 / FIRE SAFETY CORE The main space of the apartments is combined kitchen with living so that the social condensing starts within the apartments and integration happens from the beginning of each day. The green roof on the building provides a space which is private to the residents, but a space to share with their neighbours. This is again to provide an integration aspect within the programme and encourage interaction between building inhabitants. To provide a fire safe apartment within the palace, the duplex apartments are designed with a fire safety core which features thicker walls and encloses the stair cases so that escape would be safe during a fire.
L I V I N G Q UA RT E R S Exploded Axonometric 1:200
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L I V I N G Q UA RT E R S
Interior Render The prestigious architecture becomes living space for the every day citizen of Berlin
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F O U RT H L E V E L Floor Plan 1:500
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1 1 T H E F O RU M Design Decisions
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01 / DIRECT CONNECTION TO G OV E R N M E N T The final segment to the Social Condenser programme is the debating forum. This pivotal part of the concept allows activists to come and be heard on a legal stage, with a direct connection to the Bundestag, as they have the opportunity to be observed when in debate. The idea of providing a platform for political debate is to both raise political interaction to the every day citizen, but also to provide a safe and non-violent way to express opinions and discuss with the government.
0 2 / E V E R Y S PA C E I S A F O RU M There are three variations to the main forum spaces. Within the dome is a small auditorium which hosts a viewing gallery. This is for formal debates and discussions. The second part of the forum spaces is the other programmes within the building, in particular the lobbyist office, which encourage users to debate and discuss on an every day basis.
0 3 / P U B L I C A M P H I T H E AT R E The final forum piece is within the public space, however it is an informal space which could host a large number of activists or individuals. This allows the activists to organise their own protest and activate their own debates within the space; removing the top-down organisation that a controlled debate might produce. However the freedom of political activity is that this stage could become a place where grand protests are held.
T H E F O RU M
Location Axonometric Diagram Providing a place which encourages political activity and debate
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02a Illegal Activity
01 Existing Activists
01 / A PLACE TO PROPOSE IDEAS 02 / ENCOURAGE SOCIAL CHANGE The theory behind the forum is to provide a legal political field for activists and politically involved individuals to propose and discuss ideas. The forum will have a connection with the Bundestag, allowing people to debate with politicians with the intention to persuade, or at least have an effect on, political action and social change.
04 New Activists and Social Change
02b Activate the Fo r u m
03 Connection to Government
T H E F O RU M
Protest Concept Diagram A legal stage which can provide a direct parallel to the government and encourage a coexistence
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First Floor Plan
Ground Floor Plan
Formal/Informal
Second Floor Plan
Formal
0 1 / P RO M OT I N G D E BAT E THROUGH THE ARCHITECTURE
Informal
Informal
Third Floor Plan
Formal
0 2 / D I V E R S I T Y I N S PA C E S
The programme allows interaction between citizens on a variety of scales which may lead to conversation, discussion or debate. The cross over between the programmes leads to these interactions, however the individual spaces of designed so that interaction can happen on a smaller scale within those programmes.
03/FORMAL AND INFORMAL, SMALL AND LARGE
For example, the lobbyist offices provide mini forums for discussion and debate, and the auditoriums within the art gallery allow for talks and planned conferences which could lead to political debate. The variety of scales of
T H E F O RU M
Formal
spaces takes form in different ways, with both formal and informal discussion potential. The main forum space within the public park can act as both an informal meeting space, or could host the most organised and formal methods of protests. The beauty of the building is that it allows the citizens to take control of the architecture and with social interaction and political responses the architecture will grow as the centre of Berlin.
A l t e r n a t i v e S c a l e s o f Fo r u m s f o r P r o t e s t A multitude of spaces of diverse characteristics and scales advocating discussion and debate
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Formal
VO L K S PA L A S T
Full Building Section 1:500
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O N SE
SE N O
SO C IA L
P ES R
R ES P
L IA C SO
PROGRAMMATIC INPUT
01 / THE EVERY DAY PROGRAMMES ARE CARRIED OUT 02 / SOCIAL INTERACTION OCCURS 03 / PEOPLE DISCUSS OPINIONS / PLAN POLITICAL ACTION / ORGANISE DISCUSSIONS The every day programmes which occur in the building are varied and dynamic, encouraging the users to interact and observe others in action, whilst providing thoughtful and useful spaces. The building features elements for residential, commercial, educational and political activities and therefore provides a cultural hub for the city of Berlin.
PROGRAMMATIC INPUT
PROGRAMMATIC INPUT
As a social condenser the programmes all happen together and cause an intertwining of people and opinions, with an attempt to encourage a social response and a reaction which may create more opinions and more debates.
L IA C SO
SE
N
PO
ES
R
R
ES
L
PO
IA C
N
SE
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THE SOCIAL CONDENSER IN ACTION
PROGRAMMATIC INPUT
Conceptual Function Diagram As citizens of Berlin are encouraged to come and use the space, their interactions, opinions and obser vations develop social responses and lead to a progressive and politically dynamic city
SOCIAL RESPONSE
Exterior Render T he Palace provides the stage for Political debate in Berlin
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T he Palace of the People
APPENDIX Full Drawing Pack
BERLIN, MITTE Location Plan 1:2500
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S C H LO S S P L AT Z Site Plan 1:1000
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SECOND LEVEL Floor Plan 1:500
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THIRD LEVEL Floor Plan 1:500
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F O U RT H L E V E L Floor Plan 1:500
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SOUTH VIEW Palace Elevation 1:500
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N O RT H V I E W Palace Elevation 1:500
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WEST VIEW
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Baroque Detailed Window Fitting Modern Single Pane Window Fitting
Stone Window Frame
Sandstone Balustrade Retained Stone Render Brick Work Insulated Wall with Plasterboard Finish Stone Slabs on Concrete Screed angled for surface run off DPM In-Situ Concrete Brick Work Stone Facade Detail fixed with Stone Fixing Hooks Brick Work Arch Rendered Finish
Sandstone Detailing Pre-Cast Concrete Wall and Floor Slab Rigid Insulation Layer
Brickwork Concrete Column with Stone Render Finish Stone Window Frame
BA L C O N Y D E TA I L Detail Drawing 1:20
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