German Photography Institute in Berlin
Student project at Bauhaus-Universität Weimar
Goals and Purposes
Renovation and extension of the "Bilka" department store build in the 1950s in the heart of former West Berlin.
New use: German Photography Institute.
Institution contains an exhibition space, public library and study area, a public café, event spaces, photography labs, and offices.
Team: Laurenz Schröder, Mykyta Lytvynenko.
Master's semester project at Bauhaus-Universität Weimar. Done during the Winter semester of 2022/23.
Department of Design and Complex Building Theory.
Prof. Dipl.-Ing. Jörg Springer.
Master's semester project at Bauhaus-Universität Weimar. Done during the Winter semester of 2022/23.
Department of Design and Complex Building Theory.
Prof. Dipl.-Ing. Jörg Springer.
Context
The "Bilka" building is located in the Victoria Areal near the Berlin Zoo. The area was build in 1950s as a part of the reconstruction of the center of the West Berlin.
The Victoria Areal complex was designed by the German architect Hans Dustmann, who is a controversial figure due to his close ties with the Nazi party and his role as the main architect of the Hitlerjugend.
Over time, "Bilka" has become obsolete for its original purpose and currently sits unoccupied. Discussions are ongoing in Berlin regarding whether the city should preserve or demolish Bilka.
The project aims to be a part ot this discussion, and also the larger conversation about the significance of post-war modernism in Germany.
Another aspect of the project is to analyze the legacy left in German architectural history by the architects associated with the Nazi regime. This includes examining their influence and integration into post-World War II German society.
"Bilka" and Victoria-Areal in 1950-60s
"Bilka" and Victoria-Areal now
Project's masterplan, together with the 1950er plans from Hans Dustmann
Ground Floor
First and Second Floors
Third and Fourth Floors
Functional Structure
In order to effectively house all functions of the Photography Institute, an expansion of the existing building was envisioned.
The ground and first floors belong to the existing building.The floors from the second to the fourth are extensions of the existing structure.
The ground floor functions as a foyer and exhibition space, featuring a bookshop and a small library on the sides.
The first floor houses the German Photography Museum.
The second floor accommodates a café and archives of the Photography Institute.
The third and fourth floors contain photography labs, workshops, co-working spaces, a library, and administrative offices.
Fassades
Sections
Spatial Concept
The central concept of our spatial design revolves around three atriums. These spaces are intended to serve not only as transitional areas but also as public hubs and forums.
Each of the three atriums has its own distinct hierarchy.
The café, mirroring the garden atrium, and the atrium on the second floor are accessible to the general public, serving as spaces for museum visitors.
The atrium on the third floor is slightly more secluded, designated for events hosted by the Photography Institute but also capable of accommodating communal activities.
Moving up to the fourth floor, the garden atrium serves as another Photography Institute area, functioning as a retreat for employees. It is the most secure space, yet it remains accessible to the public, making it suitable for communal events such as concerts.
