Erika Mann Elementary School II, Berlin (Germany) 2008
die Baupiloten, Technical University Berlin
In the second construction phase of the Erika Mann Primary School (designed by Ludwig Hoffman in 1915), the building was extended for all-day operation and to suit modern educational concepts of a “rhythmic” learning atmosphere. Beyond the collaborative process, children should be able to form their daily environment – not only suggestively in the form of ideas, but as actual co-designers of their world. The project develops the narrative of a “silver dragon world” developed with the pupils in the first phase. Corridors are supplemented by sitting areas for class purposes. Five modules (day bed, cave, stand, landing and table with foldable bench) give children the opportunity to test their bodies, learn and play without being forced to sit according to the norm. In two new leisure rooms, foldable chairs and soft materials provide space and shelter for introverted occupation. The mirror gallery serves as an additional exhibition space and at the same time makes the children’s handcraft an architectural highlight.
Die Baupiloten carry out participatory design and building projects as part of their architectural education. The course was founded in 2003 by architect Susanne Hofmann, AA Dipl. at the Technical University of Berlin as a “Studienreformprojekt” to support a stronger interface between academic and professional experience.
Client: Stattbau GmbH – Stadtentwicklungsgesellschaft mbH
Support Programmes: EU, EFRE, Soziale Stadt, Die Bundesregierung, The city of Berlin
Sponsors: Baustoffhandel Mammitzsch, Eternit, Eurostahl, Follenius und Martin Tischlerei, GLS Bank Bochum, Firma Transresch, Bristol Kempinski Hotelkette, Essensanbieter Luna and Ridi Leuchten
Tutor: Susanne Hofmann
Students: Maximilian Assfalg, Ania Busiakiewicz, Andrea Ceaser, Fee Kyriakopoulos, Ansgar Schmitter, Irmtraut Schulze, Thilo Reich, Wojciech Wojakowski and Urzula Ramus (guest)
Photographer: Jan Bitter
Germany, Client-funded, Permanent, 0-10, Architecture, Years, Sponsorship, Postgraduate, +, Commissioned, Curricular, Students with tutor, Technical Univ. Berlin
