Treffpunkt Berlin

From Collections to Connections: An Intercultural Public Library in Gesundbrunnen

Master thesis (2024)

Authors

Y. Go Architecture and the Built Environment

Contributors

O. Caso Building Knowledge - Architecture and the Built Environment (mentor)
M.R. Grech Teachers of Practice / A - Architecture and the Built Environment (mentor)
R. Heykant Teachers of Practice / AE+T - Architecture and the Built Environment (mentor)
Faculty
Architecture and the Built Environment, Architecture and the Built Environment
More Info
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Published Date

02-07-2024

Language

English

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Faculty

Architecture and the Built Environment

Abstract

Global migration flows are increasing for various reasons, and societies around the world are becoming increasingly culturally diverse.

Germany is currently the second top destination for international migrants. The country has already received multiple waves of immigrants in the past century – from guest workers to refugees – but its attitude toward foreign newcomers has historically been conservative. However, with the Skilled Immigration Act (Fachkräfteeinwanderungsgesetz) passed in 2023, the Federal Government now aims to push Germany into a “Modern Immigration Country” (Ein Modernes Einwanderungsland).

Within this new national ambition, the integration of foreign newcomers is highly prioritised; and public institutions are expected to facilitate this two-way process between local Berliners and foreign newcomers.

To support this, the public library emerges as a highly relevant institution. As an architectural typology, it began as a house for collections and on-site reading. Yet over time, digitalisation has largely reduced the need for this building to fulfil this specific function; thus liberating and shifting its focus to become an active site of social connections, where people from all walks of life can encounter each other regularly.

Furthermore, in Berlin’s future city development, the Senate envisions the public library as a mixed-use centre for strengthening social cohesion and bringing life to new residential districts (Neue Stadtquartiere). While there are already well-located public libraries – already enjoyed by existing Berliners of the vicinity – that can serve these districts, they are not spatially nor technically equipped to meet the multimedia & multi-programmatic needs for this social ambition.

This leads to the research question: How can we design a public library that facilitates the integration of migrants into the local community?

It calls for the project to critically examine and design a district-level public library, which primarily aims to be a social connector for facilitating integration. The secondary goals are to host and disseminate diverse media types; and to serve as an upgraded futureproof district centre.