House for Family and Education Berlin

The aim of the design is to imagine – in the midst of the large-scale, uniform prefabricated concrete slab architecture of the 1970s – a building that has a high degree of independence and individuality through its outer appearance while radiating openness and low-threshold accessibility. The facilities – a family centre, an educational and family counselling centre, rooms for the adult education centre – are each arranged over two floors according to the “collage of different functions” principle: They can be accessed independently yet still relate to one another through the interlocking of the individual floor plans.

The open-space design supports the idea of a pavilion-like structure surrounded by green. A small forecourt with a striking floor covering made comprising perforated concrete leads to the foyer. In the shade of the existing trees arises an atmospheric meeting and recreation area, also for use by the neighbouring school. Concrete circular seating structures establish a connection to the formal language of the façade while creating a perceptible unity of built environment and open space. The existing trees are largely preserved and collected in tree circles with a ground covering of light-coloured gravel.