Excerpt: ‘3rd Space Metamorphosis’ is an architecture thesis on community development by Katerina Pechynaki from the School of Architecture and Cities – University of Westminster that seeks to transform Tempelhof Airport, Berlin, from a symbol of division to one of hope and unity. This transformation aims to foster a dynamic, cohesive community while honouring Tempelhof’s complex past. The central idea behind this project is the third space—a place where people live, work, and socialise together in harmony.
Introduction: The project, located at Tempelhof Airport – Berlin, embraces the notion that scars are powerful reminders of trauma and resiliency. Tempelhof, which was once a stark representation of Nazi power and control, is now a haven for refugees escaping conflict, turning the once-oppressive monument into a sanctuary of hope. This transformation fosters a dynamic, cohesive community while honouring Tempelhof’s complex past. The central idea behind this project is the third space—a place where people live, work, and socialise together in harmony. “Third Space Metamorphosis” introduces flexible and fluid forms to Tempelhof’s architecture, breaking its rigidity and promoting growth and connection.
In this case, the street and garden serve as an extension of the living spaces and workshops, making it the third space. The fabric in “Third Space Metamorphosis” is a metaphor for flexibility and resilience rather than just a simple material. It can bend and twist, taking on new forms to fit its surroundings, just like the refugees do. It metaphorically brings the disparate experiences of refugees back together as it winds through the communal garden, weaving a story of hope and belonging along the way.
Nazi Origins: The Nazis constructed Tempelhof as a representation of oppressive power and control and as a display of German might and racial supremacy. It’s a stark embodiment of a dark, exclusionary ideology.
Location of Tempelhof Airport
Current Role as Refugee Shelter: Currently, many refugees from repressive regimes and war-torn areas find refuge in this very building. It is incredibly ironic how this symbol of exclusion can become one of safety and refuge. It symbolises a shift from a time of exclusivity and division to a time of inclusivity and empathy.
Site Photographs
Emotional and Historical Scars: From its construction during the Nazi era to its involvement in the Berlin Airlift and its current status as a refugee shelter, the building bears scars from a time of suffering, resiliency, and hope. The enduring power of the human spirit and the horrors of the past are symbolised by these scars.
Design Process
Initial Strategy
The goal of this design project is to help the refugees—also referred to as “stateless” or “undocumented” people—by giving them a distinctive spatial identity that “rehumanizes” their situation. The primary objective is to transform the feeling of being confined to a refuge into a space of belonging and connection. This is accomplished by acknowledging the fact that these people are frequently imprisoned inside of camps and by metaphorically bringing the outside world inside.
Final Strategy
The concept behind the design is to create a self-sufficient, city-like community inside a larger urban setting. This strategy goes beyond merely building physical structures; it also aims to establish a new ecosystem, which is crucial given these communities’ scarce resources. The goal of the chosen strategy is to introduce a more flexible architectural paradigm in order to “break” the rigidity of the National Socialist architecture. This is accomplished by embracing the idea of the third space, which blends home and work to create a communal neighbourhood.
Final Outcome
MasterplanSite Section
A place where Living and Working becomes one- Introducing a fluid and inclusive architectural paradigm: The project is more than just an architectural endeavour; it is a profound reimagining of Tempelhof as a place that goes beyond its history of oppression and supports a thriving, independent community that provides refuge for refugees.
SectionTypologies
The project aims to change Tempelhof Airport from a symbol of division to one of hope and unity. By addressing the historical scars on the site and the current needs of the refugee community, the project seeks to create a space that not only offers refuge but also promotes comprehension, reconciliation, and assimilation.
ElevationAxonometric
The fabric itself tells the tale of the site’s transformation from a symbol of division to one of unity and environmental stewardship, symbolising resilience and rebirth. Using the principles of the circular economy to connect the past, present, and hopeful future, the project transforms into a dynamic, ever-changing homage to sustainability and social solidarity.
Textile WorkshopFront Perspective
The “street” or common garden, which is an extension of the residence and workshops, is the third space in the design. The most prominent workshops, where immigrants work and construct their own homes, are those for metal, wood, and textiles. The skin of the building integrates the flow of the textile. It’s the key to transforming rooms to meet migrants’ requirements, and in the drawing, the fabric flows across the 3rd space, generating moments and combining the 1st and 2nd spaces —home and work.
Interior View | Hybrid Image
Conclusion: The project showcases the ability of architecture to overcome historical ironies by transforming a site of historical injustice into a haven for the present and establishing Tempelhof as a symbol of the human spirit.
[This Academic Project has been published with text submitted by the student]
Site Context
Design Process
Final Outcome
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