woodLAB

DONNÉES DE L’ÉQUIPE

Représentant d’équipe : Dennis Winkler (DE) – architecte 

Mathildenstrae – 28203 Bremen, (DE)
+49 160 9465 7776 – mail@dewink.de – dewink.de

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^{D. Winkler}

INTERVIEW en anglais
^{Cliquer sur les images pour les agrandir}

1. How did you form the team for the competition?

In this case, I decided to work independently.

2. How do you define the main issue of your project, and how did you answer on this session main topic: the place of productive activities within the city?

It is perhaps an attempt to retrace the relationship between a post-industrial society and the existing corset of functionally separated urban development in the context of Munich / Taufkirchen. With regards to the expected productivity of new neighbourhood building blocks, it is not about a direct material value creation chain in the classical sense, but rather in an intellectual one. At the end of the day, the latter is connected to changing structures in the work environment, as can be seen by the rise of “Home Office”, for example. However, the cost of a new-found flexibility should not be social isolation, which is why the design incorporates common-use areas where, among other things, co-working spaces are available.

3. How did this issue and the questions raised by the site mutation meet?

The concept submitted for the Europan 14 suggests an adaptable strategy that can meet location-specific parameters. The combination of private, common or public uses can vary depending on the site. CAD-led Rapid Manufacturing offers a technical foundation that is a simple and cost-effective solution for the swift production of missing living and community spaces, without compromising on demanding design or lapsing into monotony.

4. Have you treated this issue previously? What were the reference projects that inspired yours?

Yes, the topic has accompanied me in the somewhat modified form of a productive think-tank during a competition to design a student apartment building in Weimar that could be transformed at any time (not awarded).
The question as to what degree inspiration flows consciously or subconsciously, or whether a direct influence took place, is difficult to answer. Conceptual approaches that come from the French architect and designer Jean Prouvé and his “La Maison tropicale” frequently impress me. He continually dedicates himself to the improvement and optimisation of production processes. As such, many of his architectural works are removable and developed for mass production. In addition, the British group of architects, Archi-gram have not lost their power to inspire. During the 60s, Archigram wanted to impress with a utopia based on an atmosphere of departure, and their work continues to polarise even today. As a result, the idea that a building is unmovable and unchangeable is called into question.

5. Urban-architectural projects like the ones in Europan can only be implemented together with the actors through a negotiated process and in time. How did you consider this issue in your project?

In the first half of the 20th Century, the Modernists proclaimed the separation of functions as the guiding principle of urban development. The problems that have arisen because of this perspective are well known today. Indeed, the growth of cities can only be partially influenced by designers and politicians. It is predominantly the socio-economic factors that determine the leading technical and financial possibilities and availability of building land. As soon as changes in technical and social frameworks take place, such as when newly available space for car parks opens up due to new mobility concepts, for example, land owners are offered the chance to implement urban building blocks that can align with demands and enhance their neighbourhoods. Public construction agencies have a special responsibility in terms of exigency and timing for project development and financing.

6. Is it the first time you have been awarded a prize at Europan? How could this help you in your professional career?

Yes, it is the first time that I have been awarded. This is my first and last opportunity to take part in this competition, as I will no longer meet the age requirements for Europan 15. The Europan competition format is unique, renowned since I went to university and promotes Europe-wide networking. I can only answer the question of how this prize could help my professional career with another question: Why should taking part and receiving an award not have a positive effect on my work?