The Importance of Moments and Interactions

Since 2015, Berlin has become a home to more than 103,000 asylum seekers. Although the government has been investing in creating housing solutions, the lack of affordable housing in the capital has forced a large portion of refugees into temporary, precarious and socially isolated living conditions. The majority of refugee housing in Berlin fail on one key point - integrating new refugees into the local communities. This is due to existing schemes being inward-facing, focused on housing a new demographic and not on social cohesion.

Our proposal focuses on moment and the idea that a house is more than a property; rather it’s the small moments of everyday life that happen around the home that truly embody the act of dwelling. The scheme is designed to amplify this idea, introducing a variety of opportunities for interaction.

Through the creation of areas for studying, growing and socialising, it aims to promote exchange of language and work skills, a greater understanding of the culture and formation of lasting relationships. It is easy to forget, but simple tasks such as bumping into your neighbour or watering the plants often create situations that bring people closer together. Fostering such chance encounters is the main goal of this scheme.

The affordable housing scheme will provide an infill solution to a variety of courtyard gaps in the neighbourhood of Charlottenburg and all around Berlin. Moreover, it will act as a community custodian of the intermediate courtyards. The scheme will provide a permanent home not only to asylum seekers, but also to German citizens, who will receive subsidized rent if they are actively engaged in the exchange of skills and cultural knowledge. By utilising locally sourced timber grid, the project could create opportunities for expansion and flexible living.