“Berlin has always had the idea that if a house can be removed, the direction or course of a street can also be changed.” – Daniel Liebeskind
The transformation of Berlin from a divided city into a thriving metropolis, more typical of the twenty-first century, has meant tremendous change in architecture and in the politics of space.
Two bordering neighbourhoods “Südkiez” and “Wrangelkiez” in the administratively conjoined but commonly differentiated district of Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg exemplify this change.
Friedrichshain and Kreuzberg are only geographically connected by the Oberbaumbrücke (Oberbaum Bridge), which crosses the river Spree where the old border between East- and West Berlin once stood. Despite their separation and dissimilar history the two neighbourhoods have merged into a flourishing organism.
Friedrichshain is located in the former Eastern part of Berlin.
In the years after the reunification, East Berlin gradually became the centre of sub cultural activities. Ownership agreements in the area along the Spree were not clear, and temporary uses of vacant buildings and warehouses became possible. Many creative industries today have their roots in these temporary uses. Some of them even started as illegal businesses.
“Südkiez” (Kiez is a German word that refers to neighborhood) has transpired out of these dynamics. The name stems from its location just south of Frankfurter Allee, which has a rich history of sub-cultural movements, squatters and riots.
In recent years, Friedrichshain and “Südkiez” in particular have become highly popular among students and other young adults, while a growing number of foreign speculators have been snapping up property in the area. Many locals are concerned about the pervasive gentrification, and urban renewal plans under the label “Mediaspree”, which is sweeping through the neighbourhood.
Kreuzberg is located in the former Western part of Berlin.
In the 1970s, Kreuzberg developed into an alternative hot spot, where many sub cultural activities began to flourish. In particular, punk rock, art galleries and squatter movements appeared in the street scene.
These developments were closely linked to substantial urban renewal projects, which left many buildings abandoned. Due to general housing shortage in Berlin many students, activists, and artists began to occupy and restore the older houses.
At the same time, more affluent people started to move into Kreuzberg, and displaced some of the less affluent residents, who moved to neighboring areas like Neukölln.
“Wrangelkiez” is a traditional working-class neighbourhood at the core of Kreuzberg. Throughout the years, it has mainly housed students, immigrants and creative people with lots of ideas but very little money. Today, approximately half of the population has a migration background, and “Wrangelkiez” claims one of the highest numbers of inhabitants on social welfare. Despite the controversy, it is also famous for cultivating some of the best artists and musicians in Berlin, which has made it a prime location in the “Mediaspree” urban renewal project.
The “Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg – Berlin” tables are an embodiment of modern Berlin. They symbolize the inseparable duality between two of the City’s most legendary neighbourhoods. On the one hand it illustrates a composition of belonging and coexistence. On the other hand, it outlines each neighbourhood’s existential singularity that sets them apart.
Product: Places Tables: Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg (series of two sidetables)
Dimensions: 400 x 400 x 406 mm
Materials: powdercoated steel, tempered glass plate
