With the Academy of Architecture in Berlin, a radically modern building arose in 1836, a square facing brick construction with a skeleton structure located across from the Berlin Palace. The architectural innovation of the building planned by Karl Friedrich Schinkel was also an expression of its programmatic complexity: a hybrid consisting of an architecture school, an architecture studio, governmental building authorities, an apartment and shops was unorthodox then like it is now.
The history of the Academy of Architecture reflects the political history of Berlin: In 1962, the Academy of Architecture had to give way for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the GDR and, following its demolition in 1995 as a consequence of the German reunification, has left behind a barren property in the centre of Berlin. Thus, a reconstruction debate ignited again that took place against the background of the rebuilt Berlin Palace as a questionable precedent.
The Academy of Architecture as a building site and design task gives rise to a double discourse about the form and content of a new building at a historic site. What can an academy of architecture be today as a place of architectural discourse with relation to the historical Academy of Architecture? Which architectural design should be chosen for this location today with relation to the historical predecessor building? How can we come to terms with this past differently than through a scenographic reconstruction of Schinkel’s work?
Together, we go looking for clues, examine the historical stratification layers of the building site and of Berlin and analyse Schinkel's planning within the context of his time in order to lay the foundations for a modern perspective of the multifaceted location. The individual designs of the students will give architectural responses to the jointly developed questions, taking into account the high conceptual demands with regard to planning and construction at this location.
From 24 to 29 March, an excursion to Berlin will be taking place (Course no. 253.D03). The participation is compulsory for all participants of this practical exercise. The first meeting and organisational introduction will be on Tuesday 05 March 2019 at 2:00 p.m. in Prechtl Hall (Prechtlsaal).
The beginning of the design process starts with short tasks, accompanying talks, basic analyses, in-depth workshops and an excursion to Berlin. The design is developed from this basic research based on models and graphic representations. Accompanying regular rounds of discussion provide a platform for thematic discourse between the participants. The jointly developed topics and projects are finally prepared for publication.
