O
p e n S p a c e s B e r l i n O b e r s c h o e n
e w e i d e
Competition per invitation
First Prize 02/05
Ulrike Böhm, Cyrus Zahiri, Katja Benfer,
Marek Langner, Alke Sumfleth
The typology of architecture between Wilhelminenhofstrasse and the River Spree includes industrial structures of varying dimensions as well as residential buildings. Despite this diversity, the built structures in their respective plots comprise an overall spatial homogeneity. The entire area lends itself towards an arrangement of typical and recurring open spaces: two-sided corridors, three sided plazas, as well as irregular, mostly triangular enclosures along the riverbank.
In accordance with the typology of the given open space, a composition is proposed to include and reinforce the overlying dominant structures and their unavoidable spatial influence on the immediate area. In order to emphasize the transitions between different spatial situations (and functions), individual areas are arranged and graded with respect to one another.
The connection between Wilhelminenhofstrasse and the River Spree thus emerges as a sequence of subspaces, each in reference to its immediate context. From the Crane Promenade, through the large entrance gateway, along the platform of the exhibition halls, an aggregate of city plazas, promenades and sculpture gardens constitutes a succession of individual spaces.
Promenade
The existing Crane construction and the guide wall significantly emphasize the corridor-like area of the Crane Promenade. The existing groundcover and railway tracks are to be preserved in the design.
Between the wings of the residential buildings on Wilhelminenhofstrasse and the entrance gateway to the exhibition pavilion, the upper edge of the specified guide wall shall be brought down to 9 meters and embellished with 1.80-meter high openings. Without weakening the overall effect of the wall, the described interference serves to complement the spatial atmosphere with a play of shadow and light.
Hall
Platform
The exhibition halls establish the focal point of the entire area.
Cognizant of the public nature of the buildings, the architectural ensemble is provided with easily accessible platform and serves to link the Crane Promenade to the city plaza and the riverbank promenade.
The platform edge follows the sight lines of the guide wall along the Crane Promenade until finally merging into the new entrance gateway. The slight incline opposite the city plaza accentuates the openness of the space after passing through the entrance gateway and offers visitors a panoramic view of city plaza and Spree Promenade.
sculpture
garden
The garden is consciously pushed back to the river's edge in order to entice walkers along the Spree walking trail to visit the sculpture exhibition and stroll through the garden. A lateral series of stepping-stones leads the riverside walking trail through the garden.
The city plaza is settled between the exhibition halls and the proposed site of a hotel development. It links the Laufener Strasse with the Spree riverbank. The eastern side of the plaza is characterized by an irregular row of trees, extending from the row of trees on the Laufener Strasse into the plaza. Seating arrangements invite the passerby to rest between the trees.
Slight indentations mark the northern and southern sides of the city plaza, creating a threshold situation. The placement of trees and detail work of the plaza are deliberately reserved in order to underscore the dominant effect of the exhibition halls. The plaza pavement consists of bands of stone slabs and a water-bound ground covering.
The riverbank promenade is part of the Spree walking trail and connects the new Kaiser footbridge with the city plaza, the exhibition halls, and the sculpture garden. The city plaza and the platform of the exhibition halls are slightly raised, compared to the riverbank promenade. The grounds of the exhibition halls are further highlighted by an additional wall element as a continuation of the guide wall.
The area is consciously left open in order to preserve the view of the Spree. The placement of trees merges into the row of trees on the city plaza. The edge of the riverbank is flanked by broad stone benches, inviting the visitor to linger a while along the river.
landscapes urban design
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