Reactivating the Derelict: Developing an Architectural Framework for Social Interaction through the Analysis of Berlin’s Diverse Physical History and Cultural Character

Abstract

The post-war development of reunified Germany has resulted in many physical, economic, social and cultural changes. Despite the end of many restrictions imposed upon its populace during the Cold War, change would become an unexpected challenge to the people of a new Germany. With their residual memories from an extinct authoritative system, the general populace hinder redevelopment, and ultimately leave neighboring communities in a state of continued separation. The following thesis investigates the physical, social and cultural characteristics of site in attempts at generating, as an architectural methodology, infrastructural and programmatic strategies capable of informing the redevelopment of derelict post-industrial sites. In addressing the latent characteristics of site, historical, physical and programmatic, the resulting infrastructural and architectural framework assumes a programmatic classification that emphasizes its current dynamic uses and temporary programmes, enables changeability, and maintains memory of place by way of uninhibited openness for its users and surrounding communities.