In this upcycling project exhibits from the Volkswagen ”SHIFT" sustainability exhibition were repurposed, as we were asked to create furniture for – and with – children from Die Arche, a place for young people with troubled backgrounds in Berlin Hellersdorf.

The provided materials ranged from steel tubes and connectors to hi macs elements, plywood boards and solid ash wood. We launched the project by taking the exhibits apart and setting up a material overview.

After developing the first ideas and concepts based on the workshop we invited all stakeholders,
foremost the kids to present them our progress and ask for their feedback.

Based on the new input and further research so far unused space in the outdoor area was transformed into a multifunctional shared space promoting interaction and community feeling. Surrounded by various sports areas and playgrounds, it should therefore be considered as central gathering point for the kids and teachers. The design embodies the basic values of Die Arche: Social integration, discovering kids talents, empowerment, education and sustainability in relationships as well as in ecological terms.

The kitchen serves as a centrepiece providing a grill, space for food preparation and a water-bar.
Around it we arranged some seating islands, making interaction possible from all sides.

To teach the kids about the natural systems garden beds, a compost and a vertical gardening wall, serving as shade and partition element, were installed in cooperation with Prinzessinengarten Berlin. This enables the kids to plant their own veggies, learn to take care of them, harvest and eventually cook delicious healthy meals. All leftovers are composted and reused as nutritious soil for the beds. Between the beds and seating islands, we could fulfil the kids wish for a chill-net, inviting them to relax and read there together.