A new urban learning environment

University Campus Extension for Univeristy of the Arts in Weissensee

Location: Berlin, Germany
Client: The Mayor of Berlin with University of the Arts Berlin Weissensee and Department for Urban Development and Housing of the State of Berlin

Program: Masterplan study for an extension of an existing university campus, 30.000 m2 GFA of ecucational and supporting uses on 1,7 ha site.

The University of the Arts at Berlin-Weissensee needs more space to accommodate growing and changing teaching and research demands. The urban development concept picks up on existing qualities and develops them further. A strong connection to the local neighbourhood forms the backbone structure of the new development. By continuing the existing green belt to the east and connecting the mixed-use-are south of the site the campus extension becomes a crossroads of both and weaves the new place into the urban fabric.

The resulting four clusters are organized around a central square which also forms the hinge between old and new. New functions with a public character face this space. In the transparent and open ground floor zones, special functions such as restaurants and cafés, exhibition space, library and the university’s studio stage are all activating elements. The result is a lively place.

The quieter and less active functions, such as studios, seminar buildings and living quarters, are located on the edges of the site and form an adequate transition to the quiet neighbourhood characterized by residential use.

Stages:
2020 design competition, 1st prize
2020 – development of the legal plans

Team:
MLA +: Ildar Biganiakov, Anna Gribatskaia, Ola Gordowy, Christoph Michael, Maximilian Müller, Mateusz Zielinski
Lohrengel Landschaft, MHK Modellbau