Through this project we reconsider the Palace of Culture (1928) by Ivan Leonidov, reimagining the proletarian haven in modern Berlin. The original project (right) consists of 4 separate entities (from left to right, as cited in the initial plan):
(1) a scientific-historical sector (2) a mass action sector (3) a demonstration field (4) a physical education sector
Spatially, these take form as a longitudinal building on stilts completed with a television tower mast and pond (1), an indoor hemisphere with tribunes and a mainstage (2), a field (3) and a pyramidal sports hall fitted with a swimming pool and courts, completed with an outdoor track and various fields.
In Berlin Mitte, our site presents a rich historical background. Our intervention focuses on 4 existing areas (from left to right): the controversial newly-built Humboldt forum, the transitioning Marx- Engels forum, the Neptunbrunnen and finally the still preset TV complex.
We complement each site with its new intention, by either adapting Leonidov’s buildings to their more modern equivalents or repurposing/deconstructing the existing to fit the program. The Humboldt Forum is related to the scientific-historical sector, the Marx-Engels Forum to the mass action sector, the Neptunbrunnen to the demonstration field and the TV tower to the physical activity sector.
(1)
Simultaneously reacting to the program and the Humboldt forum, this scientific-historical sector proposes an alternative to the top-down colonial “heritage” presented in the forum. Through its visual impact and program, the additive building serves as a cultural hub for exchange and showcases, striving for a renewed idea of culture in the middle of Berlin. The intervention keeps the same form as in Leonidov’s project, offering a neutral appreciation for what’s inside through its structural linearity and polycarbonate façade.
(2)
This second intervention embraces the idea of gath- ering, through a renewed idea of mass action. The amphitheater-shaped public space enables circulation, and temporary use, reusing the shape of the original tribunes. Melded to this program, the mass-action space serves as a U-Bahn entrance with a small shop and café, adding a much-needed underground passage to the site rather than the alternative of crossing the busy road above.
(3)
The third intervention, possibly the most consequent, is the complete shift of the Neptunbrunnen complex. By first relocating the existing fountain to its original site in front of the Berliner Dom, we reappropriate this space through two large slopes that invite the user to sit or lie down, either in opposition to the TV tower or facing it.
The squared pattern reuses the grid Leonidov adapted all his projects to. The small circular pool enables a refreshing stream of water fountains, whilst the water height can be adjusted to the needs of its users during the yearly cycles. Although not its main program, this space still enables the demonstration field sector to take place, more than previously in this politicized area of Berlin. An idea we like to believe Leonidov would be a fervent supporter.
(4)
In this final intervention, we opted to not retranspose the original program of Leonidov, but to open the existing space for free use. In contrast, the site offers minimal appropriable space today and is mostly home to old or vacant shops and restaurants.
We thus propose a removal of the upper pavilion on the south-west side to enable a rediscovery of the “sky path”, as was the case before the renovations in the early 2000s.
Rolf Heider - Roof construction conversion television tower (1980)
Site Model 1:1000