StudioBerlin 2011

To attend this event I’d only need to walk out of my place and walk 10 minutes to Tempelhof Park / Airport.

Berlin is known for welcoming expats from all over the world who look for inspiration, re-invention and simply to play around. This is the backbone idea of StudioBerlin – to explore the symbiosis of diverse people, historical background and evolving architecture. The 2011 StudioBerlin group is a mixed bunch of nine architecture students from the University of Illinois at Chicago and the Universität der Künste (University of Arts) Berlin. StudioBerlin is interested in the relationship between architecture and the phenomena of temporary urban intervention and re-use in Berlin. The pavilion’s grand opening will be on the afternoon of this Saturday August 13, 2011, near the West entrance to the park. Two days before the launch and right in the middle of the process I chatted to Pedro Castro, from StudioBerlin about the project, the exchange and Berlin as a hub of creativity.

What is StudioBerlin and what is going to happen in it?

StudioBerlin is a workshop based in Berlin with collaboration between the University of Illinois at Chicago and the Universität der Künste Berlin. The workshop is a platform for the exchange and development of architectural ideas. The 2011 StudioBerlin group might be smaller in number than in years past, but our lack in size is made up with energy and enthusiasm. We’re a mixed bunch of nine architecture students and a graphic designer, that this year are working on an architectural installation at Tempelhof Airfield the 13th of August at 2 p.m. The pavilion will be built near the West entrance and will be open to the public participation.

What issues is the project going to address?

We are interested in the relationship between architecture and the phenomena of temporary urban intervention and invention in Berlin. Berlin’s unique approach to under utilized space and undeveloped land in the city which has inspired StudioBerlin to design and construct a temporary pavilion at one of Berlin’s most historic places, Tempelhof Airfield.While Tempelhof is charged with historical significance for both Berliners and those of us from the States, we have a greater interest in the current performance of Tempelhof–a huge military and commercial airfield turned public park. Tempelhof is one of the grandest open spaces in an otherwise dense urban environment–so vast that when inside, it is impossible to see what is happening at other ends of the park. Our proposal is influenced by the spotty nature in Berlin’s built landscape and the urban experience of moving through Berlin’s expanding and contracting spaces.

How did you get in touch with UDK and how did you develop the idea?

This collaboration between UIC in Chicago and UDK in Berlin, came from the mind of two architects John Manaves and Alice Kriegel who share a love for the arts and each other, and are inspired to instill in others the notion of global collaboration and exciting new forms of creating multi-cultural exchange programs.

What is going to happen to the pavilion after the project is over?

Even though this piece is built under the notion of a temporary instalation, we’re hoping it will have a longer life span and become public exhibition space for local artists. The modular collapsible nature of this project, allows it to be easely transported and storaged, making it usable in other sites like Gorlitzer park, or the Spreepark, where it can be be utilized for music, theater, gallery space, movie screenings etc. Even though we are still working on getting contacts, we welcome any suggestions. Would you happen to know of a possible location? Do you have a huge basement or car park ? Hit us up, we want your input.

What are the first three things the partners from UCI learned/did or places they visited in Berlin?

We’ve learned that graffiti can not only be legal, but it can also be used as a magnificent form of artistic expression. That the cosmopolitan nature of an European city is the perfect recipe to get your creative juices flowing. And that you never know what can happen in Berlin