Design Studio WiSe 2022/2023
Dr. Moritz Ahlert, Prof. Dr. Elke Beyer, Prof. Anke Hagemann

Spaces of Solidarity

Practices and Infrastructures for a solidary Berlin

Watch video here.

In times of crisis, many actors call for solidarity. However, ›solidarity‹ often only works as an empty signifier. At the same time, the pandemic, the current energy crisis, the war reveal the societal relevance and urgency of solidarity, particularly in the face of the social/housing question and immense social and political challenges, such as the precarization of work, racism and discrimination, growing social exclusion, and environmental pollution.

In this context, this studio asks which solidary practices can be understood as possible catalysts of a larger societal and urban transformation? Thereby, the studio focus lies on community spaces and housing for marginalized social groups in Berlin.

The aim of the studio is to a) map and explore spaces, practices and infrastructures for alternative and more solidary community spaces and housing and to
b) imagine urban futures where solidarity practices represent an integral part in the (co-)production of urban environments.

Therefore, we will analyze the spatial and social conditions for enabling more solidarity within and across (vulnerable) communities, the practices and infrastructures in which old and new solidarities are negotiated, and the multiple interdependencies between them. We will then speculate on how a solidary city could look like.

The research and design of solidary spaces will be accompanied by theoretical readings, field visits, thematic inputs and guest lectures. Students are required to bring interest in the topic and particularly in transdisciplinary and analysis–based design approaches.

The design studio is part of the research project ›Transforming Solidarities. Practices and Infrastructures in the Migration Society‹ (Berlin University Alliance) and benefits from funding by the Hans Sauer-Stiftung for an integrated exhibition and publication (PiV). PiV cooperation partners are: Dr. Asita Behzadi and Prof. Dr. Ulrike Kluge (Charité), Dr. Bernd Kasparek (HU Berlin), Dr. Veronika Zablotsky (FU Berlin) and Prof. Dr. Anna Steigemann (Universität Regensburg).

Photo: © Monika Keiler

Download the Poster here.