Architecture as a Sounding Board

Abstract

"The proclivity to unrest and 'culture of conflict' can be linked, in part, to Berlin residents' characteristic tough, combative physiognomy and how they have imagined and represented themselves and their city over time" (Davis, 2007). Berlin has witnessed conflicts on various fronts, including politics, social issues, economics, and culture, often resulting in major violent incidents. The city continues to exhibit inconsistencies, contradictions, and conflicts regarding the identity of the Commons. As power structures and capitalist formations push people further apart, the architecture of the future must seek ways for people to live together.

The proposed project aims to explore the relationship between architecture and communication by recognizing architecture as a medium. In this case, architecture is seen as an urban collective infrastructure that not only accommodates but also generates diversity in every sense. The Public Condenser of the 21st century is envisioned as an active infrastructure playing an urban role, serving various forms of expression and ideologies.

Representation and imagination of the Commons, as well as the expression and transmission of knowledge, are closely associated with the communication organs and how they are employed within the city. Recent history has shown that essential information is often transmitted through a top-down mechanism that reflects the agendas and ideologies of specific communication bodies and institutions. However, the 21st century allows people to access and compare information more freely and easily. Therefore, the "old" ways of communication need to adapt to the "new" in order to remain relevant. Otherwise, certain values and existing communication organs, such as the Neues Deutschland building, will no longer be able to effectively respond to the public's needs.

In general, Berlin lacks spaces for expression and communication platforms, not limited to virtual ones, where these expressions can be showcased through bottom-up media formations. The project aims to address this gap by creating a Public Condenser that serves as a physical and virtual platform for diverse expressions and communication. By providing spaces for people to express themselves and facilitating bottom-up media formations, the project seeks to foster a more inclusive and participatory urban environment.

In conclusion, the proposed project recognizes the historical conflicts and culture of unrest in Berlin and aims to address them through architecture as a medium for communication. By adapting to the changing dynamics of information transmission and creating spaces for expression and communication, the project strives to build a more inclusive and diverse urban environment where people can come together and share their ideas and perspectives.