Theaterplatte
In collaboration with Maedehsadat Amiripour, Anne Bruns & Adam Lis
2020
The increasing necessity for social interaction during the pandemic lockdown in 2020 shaped this project. A prefabricated slab, referred to as a Plattenbau, in Berlin was selected as a case study. These buildings are frequently associated with social challenges, including inadequate social integration, a deficiency in community engagement, and isolation. Conceptual interventions were executed within the Plattenbau utilizing theatrical elements such as stage, stairs, curtain, and mirror to enhance communication both among neighbors within the building and between the inhabitants and the broader urban environment. Additionally, these interventions aimed to modify the uniform appearance of the structure.
The idea was to create situations in which the inhabitants were placed in interchangeable roles as both performers and audience members. To present these ideas, a section was visualized:
Rotating Stage: The main stage area was represented by a rotating stage with a red curtain around it, situated in the middle of the Plattenbau. The rotating stage could be elevated, revealing life on the lower floors and providing an opportunity for the empty space below to be used for increased interaction.
Audience Stairs: In front of the rotating stage, stairs were designated as the audience zone of the building. These stairs provided horizontal connections and small platforms that served as smaller stages for interaction and engagement.
Vertical Flats: Vertical units were designed, with each level dedicated to a specific activity. Access to different rooms was provided via shared stairs, which were used by all four housing units in this section. This design encouraged coincidental interactions and connections between residents. Additionally, a central communal room was shared by two houses, further promoting communal living and engagement.
Interior Spaces and Mirrors: To improve connections among neighbors and enhance their self-awareness, mirror installations inspired by Persian mirror ornaments were used. These installations aimed to facilitate a deeper connection to one’s own identity.These installations created disordered reflections, preventing a direct view of oneself or the surroundings. Instead, different reflections were observed from various angles, offering unique and ever-changing perspectives of oneself and the surrounding environment.
Glass Walls: Neighbors facing each other were placed in dual roles as both actors and audience. Walls between adjacent flats were replaced with glass, revealing previously hidden aspects of daily life. This design element emphasized the theatrical nature of everyday living, highlighting interactions within homes and among neighbors. The transparent walls allowed for continuous observation, creating a sense of connection and shared experience.
