Competition / Berlin University Residences (BUR) / ARCHmedium

With a population of 3.4 million inhabitants, Berlin is the largest city in Germany and one of the major enclaves of power and culture in Europe. The division of the city during the Cold War doubled the cultural offer. Two theaters, two philharmonic and two stadiums were built generating a great amount of establishments that after the unification enrich the collective culture. Berlin is the cultural capital of the country by excellence. Despite the atrocities it suffered in the past, the city is known for its religious tolerance and multiculturalism. 

Today the city coexists exemplarily with different religions and cultures from all around the world. Berlin is also home to the alternative youth culture. A great university city where young people from Germany and around the world come to study and socialize. Berlin is a city that has known destruction, division and reconstruction significantly, which transformed it into a laboratory for modern architecture and urbanism. The Berlin Wall divided the city and materialized it in two ways of living. The west side: western, compact and cosmopolitan differentiates from the east side: spacious, simple and Prussian. The multiple events suffered, set the Berlin to be doomed as the “not to be” city. Berlin does not have the museum beauty like other European capitals, but its people and its rich history make it a strong and vibrant city. The constant change is perhaps the only thing that remains stable in the German city. However, Germany today is still reinventing and building new realities. The pulsating city of Berlin offers new possibilities to project a common future. That is why from ARCHmedium we propose the development of new ways of living around this city. 

The aim is to redefine the collective modes and temporary residences, as well as the pieces that confirm it and how they are grouped. In the alternative district of Kreuzberg, we propose a complex of temporary residences for students, recent graduates, families and travelers. On one hand a university residence with the comforts and services necessary for their operation. Private spaces and collective spaces are combined to generate a social complex. On the other hand, taking advantage of the common services of the residence; the competition also raises a number of rental housing for temporary use as a hostel for young travelers. The bar / restaurant and the hostel will be self- managed by the students of the residence. How would you like to live?