Raumlaborberlin (D)

Raumlabor is a group of architects who formed a collective in Berlin, Germany, in 1999. By means of 'urban prototypes' (temporary projects that transform the urban landscape), they seek to give playful criticism of the rapid and unchecked development of their city after the fall of the Berlin Wall.

Raumlabor’s repertoire includes pneumatic structures, submarines made of waste materials and (semi-) serious projects. Their approach is intended not only to criticise the official planning processes, but also to influence them. In their 'Kolorado Plan', developed for a local council in Berlin, Raumlabor proposed a long-term strategy to deal with urban decline.

That architecture is first and foremost a social and societal phenomenon for Raumlabor is evident in their Eichbaumoper project. Eichbaum is a metro station in the German Ruhr region which, when it was being constructed 30 years ago, was seen as a prime example of modern architecture. In recent years, however, the station has been better known for its vandalism and violence. Raumlabor transformed the station into an opera that sheds light on the history of the station, based on the stories and ideas of its builders, staff and users. The project met with success, and has also led to noticeable changes in the district and community.

www.raumlabor.net

A-Z lectures take place on Tuesday at Zebrazaal at Z33.
Entrance is free, but registration is required.
Save your seat and fill out the registration form for the A-Z lecture by Raumlabor here.