Living Cross

Berlin (DE) - Runner-up

TEAM DATA

Associates: Rolf Starke (DE) – architect, Taisija Miloslavski (DE), Jöran Steinmetzer (DE) – urban planners

taisija.milos@web.de

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TEAM PORTRAIT

VIDEO (by the team)

INTERVIEW
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1. How do you define the main issue of your project in relation with the theme “Living Cities Imagining architecture taking care of the milieus”? And in which way do you think your project can contribute to an ecological and/or social evolution?
The main issue was to transform the side from an unused space between train tracks into different quarters which are directly connected. The new train station is an important benefit and impulse for the future development. The different spaces have been separated since the building of the train tracks in the 19th century. The project shows a way to design a green and sustainable district within the existing infrastructure inside the fast growing city Berlin.

2. How did the issues of your design and the questions raised by the site mutation meet?
As the competition started we recognized that the site has lot’s of potential, but at the same time a lot of challenges. It was imperative to find a solution to overcome the rails and create an open space at the same time. Using the excavation for the "recycled park" is an ideal solution for this and reduces emissions during the implementation of the project.

PROJECT:

Overview Living Cross
Model of the project
Vision of the Laake (existing river)
3. Have you treated these issues previously? What were the reference projects that inspired yours?
While studying we often had discussions about how to deal with different infrastructures (e.g. blue/green infrastructure) with the knowledge and the awareness of an eco-friendly and sustainable design. To combine architecture and modern technology was a further focus of our project.

SITE:

Existing train tracks as a barrier
Passage with barriers and unsafe place
The Laake as a blue connection
4. How can your project be implemented together with the actors through a negotiated process and in time. How did you consider this issue in your project?
It was important for us to create a space for everyone in society. Therefore it is necessary to have workshops on site and get to know the thoughts and feelings of the people. For the further steps we need to have a close exchange with the actors and also the winning team, because our projects have two different strategies.

REFERENCES:

Kamp Limpfort – As a vision for train tracks inside a park © SINAI GESELLSCHAFT VON LANDSCHAFTSARCHITEKTEN MBH
Urban design for “Karow Süd” © Stadt Land Fluss
5. How did you form the team for the competition and if so what are the skills you associated?
Our team offers one architect and two urban planners, so that we could coordinate the planning process in every phase of the competition.

6. How could this prize help you in your professional career?
It is an honor for us to be awarded and it would help us to accompany the next steps.

TEAM IDENTITY
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Team name: 
Average age of the associates: 29 years old