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Berlin: The Latest Architecture and News

Films & Architecture: “Æon Flux”

Films & Architecture: “Æon Flux” - Image 7 of 4

This week we propose you to see this interesting film that came to the big screen from the sci-fi animation serie of the same name. Locations for the movie were carefully selected to generate the futuristic environment where the story takes place. Recorded mainly in Germany, from a crematorium and parks, to an embassy and a world cultures centre were used in the different scenes.

I guess most of our readers already know this movie. If not, it is time for you to find it, enjoy a great film and tell us your thoughts!

'Bambooline Berlin' / Peter Ruge Architekten

'Bambooline Berlin' / Peter Ruge Architekten - Image 8 of 4
Courtesy of Peter Ruge Architekten

Designed by Peter Ruge Architekten, the ‘Bambooline Berlin’ project, exhibited at Gallery DEN in Berline, explores the city’s urban development and proposes a new approach for the temporary, interim use of sustainable urban wasteland. This new, imaginary band complements the historically developed lines of the Berlin cityscape. More images and architects’ description after the break.

JOH 3 / J. Mayer H. Architects

JOH 3 / J. Mayer H. Architects - Housing, Door, Facade, ArchJOH 3 / J. Mayer H. Architects - Housing, Facade, ColumnJOH 3 / J. Mayer H. Architects - Housing, Garden, FacadeJOH 3 / J. Mayer H. Architects - Housing, Bedroom, Handrail, Bed, Table, ChairJOH 3 / J. Mayer H. Architects - More Images+ 24

Berlin, Germany

'Follow Me: Berlin's Airport' Conference

'Follow Me: Berlin's Airport' Conference - Featured Image
© Philip Winkelmeyer

Hosted by Topos Magazine, the ‘Follow Me: Berlin’s Airport’ Conference will be taking place in the disused buildings of Tempelhof Airport on June 5. A number of prominent European Architects, Urban Designers & Landscape Architects will be giving lectures / presentations on the re-appropriation of redundant airports. What role will this new airport on the fringes of Berlin play in the development of the city into the future? What will become of Tempelhof, Tegel & Gatow? The Topos Landscape Award will also be presented. Tours of Tempelhof will be offered on the following day. For more detailed information on the event, please visit here.

The Next Silicon Valley(s)

The Next Silicon Valley(s) - Image 5 of 4
AOL Offices in Palo Alto © Jasper Sanidad

HP, Apple, Google – they all found their success amongst the peach groves and Suburban houses of California. But why? What is it about Silicon Valley that makes it the site of technological innovation the world over?

It’s tempting to assume that the Valley’s success must be, at least in part, due to its design. But how does innovation prosper? What kind of environment does it require? In a recent interview with The Atlantic Cities, Jonah Lehrer, author of Imagine: How Creativity Works, suggests that creativity is sparked from casual exchanges, the mingling of diversity, the constant interaction with the strange and new. In short, and as a recent study corroborates, innovation flourishes in dense metropolises.

Seemingly then, Silicon Valley, a sprawl of highways and office parks, has become a hotspot of creativity in spite of its design. But let’s not write off design just yet.

As technology makes location more and more irrelevant, many are looking to distill the magic of Silicon Valley and transplant it elsewhere. The key will be to design environments that can recreate the Valley’s culture of collaboration. The future Valleys of the world will be microsystems of creativity that imitate and utilize the structure of the city.

Renovation of Berlin’s Neue Nationalgalerie / David Chipperfield

Renovation of Berlin’s Neue Nationalgalerie / David Chipperfield - Featured Image
© Gerhard Murza/Bpk via Bloomberg

A powerful and expressive design it itself, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe’s Neue Nationalgalerie in Berlin is still admired as a concrete, steel, and glass landmark today. Dedicated to culture and the fine arts, the building will be going through a major renovation, which will be overseen by British architect, David Chipperfield who has recently worked extensively in Berlin, finishing work on the war-ravaged Neues Museum on the Museum Island complex in 2009. The renovation will start in 2015 and last three years, during which time the museum will be closed. The building, completed in 1968, is Mies van der Rohe’s only work in Germany after World War II and is in need of thorough modernization after 40 years. Restoration of the glass facade, stone terrace and concrete and steel structure, along with new security and fire technology are included in the project.

"Brutalism. Architecture of Everyday Culture, Poetry and Theory" Symposium

"Brutalism. Architecture of Everyday Culture, Poetry and Theory" Symposium  - Image 1 of 4
Le Corbusier, Unité d’Habitation, Marseille (1952), Phaidon (ed.), Le Corbusier Le Grand, New York 2008; S. 422

Organized by Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) Chair of Architectural Theory, the “Brutalism. Architecture of Everyday Culture, Poetry and Theory” symposium will be taking place in Berlin May 10-11. Their position on this topic is that Brutalism’s critical review of classical modernism and post-war modernism gave rise to a unique laboratory situation, in which modern architectural trends still of relevance today were developed and tested for the very first time. More information on the event after the break.

Chipperfield selected to renovate the Neue National Gallery in Berlin

Chipperfield selected to renovate the Neue National Gallery in Berlin - Image 2 of 4
Neue National Gallery by Mies van der Rohe © Guillermo Hevia Garcia

David Chipperfield, Stirling Prize-winning architect and director of the 13th international Venice Biennale, has been commissioned by the Prussian Cultural Heritage Foundation (PCHF) to renovate the Neue National Gallery. The 20th century icon was designed by the legendary Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, who celebrated his 126th birthday this week.

Hermann Parzinger, president of the Prussian Cultural Heritage Foundation, said: “With David Chipperfield, I know this icon of modern architecture in the best hands. In working with him on the Museum Island, I learned the sensitivity in dealing with the architectural heritage and the conceptual clarity of his approach is greatly appreciated.”

Contemporary Building in Berlin / BCO Architekten

Contemporary Building in Berlin / BCO Architekten - Apartments, Facade, Stairs, Handrail, BalconyContemporary Building in Berlin / BCO Architekten - Apartments, Garden, Door, Facade, BalconyContemporary Building in Berlin / BCO Architekten - ApartmentsContemporary Building in Berlin / BCO Architekten - Apartments, FacadeContemporary Building in Berlin / BCO Architekten - More Images+ 11

  • Architects: BCO Architekten: Busch Wameling, Gotaut, Schleipen & Wameling
  • Year Completion year of this architecture project Year:  2011

Video: Little Big Berlin

Explore the stunningly beautiful and vibrant city of Berlin through the eyes of resident and film producer, Pilpop. He believes that it is the inhabitants in which make Berlin such a unique city. To observe and attempt to understand the way in which people use the city is quite possibly the ultimate form of education, as there is something new to discover each time you turn a corner.

Video: Pilpop Music: “Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2” by Franz Liszt

Video: David Chipperfield Discusses German Projects

British architect David Chipperfield recently gave an interview with Crane.tv discussing his architectural philosophy and affinity for the German culture. He expands on his approach to architecture and touches on his work for the completed reconstruction of the Neues Museum in Berlin. Be sure to check out some of his other recent works including; The Hepworth Wakefield art gallery in Wakefield, England, Turner Contemporary – a visual arts venue in Margate, England, America’s Cup Building in Valencia, Spain, and the Central Public Library in Des Moines, Iowa.

House Berlin II / flow.studio GmbH

House Berlin II / flow.studio GmbH - Houses, HandrailHouse Berlin II / flow.studio GmbH - Houses, Facade, Beam, Handrail, Arch, ColumnHouse Berlin II / flow.studio GmbH - Houses, FacadeHouse Berlin II / flow.studio GmbH - Houses, Garden, Door, FacadeHouse Berlin II / flow.studio GmbH - More Images+ 2

Berlin, Germany

Forscherkindergarten / WINKENS Architekten

Forscherkindergarten / WINKENS Architekten -  Opera House, Garden, Door, FacadeForscherkindergarten / WINKENS Architekten -  Opera HouseForscherkindergarten / WINKENS Architekten -  Opera House, Door, Facade, ColumnForscherkindergarten / WINKENS Architekten -  Opera House, Door, Facade, BeamForscherkindergarten / WINKENS Architekten - More Images+ 13

  • Architects: WINKENS Architekten:  WINKENS Architekten
  • Area Area of this architecture project Area:  550
  • Year Completion year of this architecture project Year:  2011

AD Classics: Landhaus Lemke / Mies van der Rohe

AD Classics: Landhaus Lemke / Mies van der Rohe - Houses, Garden, Door, FacadeAD Classics: Landhaus Lemke / Mies van der Rohe - Houses, Facade, Door, Chair, TableAD Classics: Landhaus Lemke / Mies van der Rohe - Houses, Garden, ForestAD Classics: Landhaus Lemke / Mies van der Rohe - Houses, Facade, LightingAD Classics: Landhaus Lemke / Mies van der Rohe - More Images+ 10

Berlin, Germany

Water-Curse or Blessing!? Exhibition / S+PBA

Water-Curse or Blessing!? Exhibition / S+PBA - Image 6 of 4
Courtesy of S+PBA

The Bangkok-based Architecture firm S+PBA has been invited to attend the exhibition Water-Curse or Blessing!? organized by Aedes East – International Forum for Contemporary Architecture n.p.o. as part of the Asia Pacific Weeks 2011. The event will take place at Aedes Gallery in Berlin from the 9th to 21st September 2011. More images and event description after the break.

Händelallee 47 House / dax_I

Händelallee 47 House / dax_I - Houses, Door, LightingHändelallee 47 House / dax_I - Houses, Kitchen, Facade, Countertop, LightingHändelallee 47 House / dax_I - Houses, Facade, Table, Chair, LightingHändelallee 47 House / dax_I - Houses, Garden, Facade, Table, Toilet, ChairHändelallee 47 House / dax_I - More Images+ 8

Berlin, Germany
  • Architects: dax_I
  • Year Completion year of this architecture project Year:  2009

Friedrichstrasse 40 Office Building / Petersen Architekten

Friedrichstrasse 40 Office Building / Petersen Architekten - Office Buildings, FacadeFriedrichstrasse 40 Office Building / Petersen Architekten - Office Buildings, FacadeFriedrichstrasse 40 Office Building / Petersen Architekten - Office Buildings, Facade, Handrail, BalconyFriedrichstrasse 40 Office Building / Petersen Architekten - Office Buildings, Facade, LightingFriedrichstrasse 40 Office Building / Petersen Architekten - More Images+ 11

Berlin Tempelhof Airport / GROSS.MAX. + Sutherland Hussey Architects

Berlin Tempelhof Airport / GROSS.MAX. + Sutherland Hussey Architects - Image 6 of 4
© Grossmax & Sutherland Hussey

Two of Scotland’s leading design firms have won an international competition to transform Berlin’s famous Tempelhof Airport. GROSS. MAX. with Sutherland Hussey Architects have been awarded the commission to design a new park and associated buildings on the site of the recently closed airport. Additional images of the winning entry are available after the break.