In the year 2023, we launched a socio-cultural initiative in collaboration with the residents of Berlin’s shared accommodation to explore key issues related to shared living and community building. We were interested in understanding how neighbourly behaviour is experienced within the accommodation and the significance of the culture of sharing for social interaction.
Living in a confined space and under specific conditions of shared accommodation, often in the form of so-called container villages, poses a particular challenge. It became clear that it’s not just the physical conditions, but also the linguistic, social and mental barriers, as well as power dynamics and discrimination, that make it difficult to build a vibrant and welcoming community culture.
These findings led to an extensive dialogue with residents and formed the basis of the “Fleeting Neighbourhoods” project. The focus was on the following questions: How can spaces be created in the cramped and specific conditions of shared accommodation that offer both individual privacy and spaces that foster community? How can artistic and structural interventions overcome social barriers and promote cooperation without overburdening the people involved? How can processes be designed to take into account the diversity of needs, perspectives and everyday realities of residents?
These ideas were put into practice between May and October 2024 in the refugee accommodation centre on Columbiadamm, where almost 800 people live, many of them with pets. With the aim of creating places that are not only functional but also promote a communal spirit, we designed and built several meeting landscapes in close collaboration with the residents. These not only served as physical meeting places, but also aimed to foster social and emotional bonds. The project brought together people of different ages, backgrounds and histories, including those who had recently arrived at the centre and those who had lived there for some time. Together they shaped these places, creating not only public spaces but also new forms of social interaction.
During these months, a variety of encounters took place, ranging from spontaneous and direct to those that required time, patience and a cautious approach. Trust and participation were built slowly as the daily challenges of living in the accommodation centre became more apparent. Working, planning and gathering were not always easy, but it provided space for valuable experiences and new perspectives on living together.
The meeting landscapes became places where not only physical barriers could be overcome, but also social dynamics could be reviewed and reorganised. They demonstrated how diverse the needs and perspectives within a community can be, and how important it is to manage processes with flexibility and transparency. The project was therefore not only a response to existing challenges, but also an experiment to experience and develop the community in all its diversity.
Participating artists and collectives:
- Wirya Budaghi
- Adnan Çelik
- Concernists Collective
- Doğukan Karakuş
- Fahrrad Kultur Kollektiv 3.000 e.V.
- Koopkultur e.V.
- Kulturlabor Trial & Error e.V.
- Mosaizistas Gbr.
- Playtronica
- Political Kitchen Collective
- Bariş Seyitvan
- Eric Tournoux
- Thomas Wienands
- Masha Zinger
Cooking.
Sharing.
Watermelons.
Our work began with the design, construction, and installation of a mobile cooking station at the shared accommodation centre. In the first few weeks, this structure became a regular outdoor community café, where people could meet in an informal setting.
During this initial phase, we began meetings by cooking together. Cooking and eating together turned into a universal language that didn’t require a lot of words to bring people together — no matter where they came from, what language they spoke or how old they were. Initially, it was primarily children who participated, but gradually, adults also joined in. Some assisted with the cooking, while others came to eat or share their stories. In this way, the station evolved into a gathering place where participants could encounter community and strengthen relationships.
Over time, an atmosphere developed that built trust and brought people closer together. During the particularly hot summer months, it became a ritual to slice up a huge watermelon and eat it together. Some residents said that this activity brought back memories of Kherson watermelons, which are known in Ukraine for their extraordinary sweetness and became a symbol of liberation and resistance during the occupation. Sharing a watermelon created a moment of connection where simple gestures and cherished moments brought people together — a ritual that brought happiness, refreshment, and familiarity to everyday life.
Playing.
Labelling.
Connecting.
The design of meeting landscapes for the residents and staff of the shared accommodation centre was a multi-layered process that took place over several meetings. Prior to commencing the process, we communicated with the personnel of the shelter to define the potentialities and limitations of the area. The accommodation space was challenging in many ways: the historic airport runway, strict fire regulations and other safety requirements limited the design options. Furthermore, there was the scale of the accommodation, which consisted of numerous ‘villages’ with their own outdoor spaces and a large central square. The structure presented us with the challenge of reaching as many people as possible while ensuring visibility of the activities. There existed a potential for vandalism, particularly in the peripheral areas of the accommodation, which were less central and less visible. However, some residents from the peripheral areas expressed a desire for activities within their Neighbourhood. Ultimately, we settled on two centralized points that could be utilized and enhanced to bring in as many people as possible.
With this framework in place, we approached the space in various ways, including analytical approaches, playful approaches, and always with the aim of collaborating on viable concepts. Several sessions commenced with discussions and small or large-scale sketches, where residents expressed their ideas and wishes for the space on paper. Other days, we would draw directly on the floor, marking lines and shapes in order to visualise and change the spatial situation. This practice helped to develop an intuitive understanding of the space’s dynamics and develop initial design ideas.
During a conversation with two young women, one belonging to a Kurdish family from Rania (ڕانیە) in Kurdistan-Iraq and the other from Northern Kurdistan in Turkey, a particularly lively moment transpired in the process. They came up with an idea to make a stage for children to play on. ‘Where should this stage be?’ I asked. The answer was firm and clear: ‘In the middle of the square.’ After that, we proceeded to flesh out our concepts, initially by utilizing coloured chalk drawings. Together, we determined the size of the stage and what it would need. The two women drew the initial sketch on the asphalt, took measurements, and assisted us in visualizing the location of the stage, which would serve as both a theatre and a playground.
The space was also physically experienced as we engaged in activities such as play, running, and movement within it to infuse it with energy and explore its potential as a site for gatherings. Adults thought about places to rest and meet, while children and young people brought ideas about opportunities for their active games. The outcome was an interplay between physical experience and creative reflection.
The joint revitalisation of the unbuilt space was a special part of the process. We arranged activities to make the concepts and ideas tangible, including readings, weaving a community carpet out of old clothes with the residents, dyeing fabrics, and creating the atmosphere of the future space together. These activities blurred the boundaries between the imagined and the real and allowed us not only to plan the space, but also to bring it to life in its imagined form.
The next step was to build models. Sometimes these were architectural miniatures that accurately depicted possible changes. Other times, spontaneous landscapes were created on the table using various materials such as toys, plasticine and wooden blocks. These improvised landscapes were less concrete, but they conveyed an idea of the atmosphere the space could convey and what it could mean to us.
More
than just a human
Neighbourhood
The Columbiadamm refugee centre is the only one in Berlin where people are allowed to live with their pets. For many of those who have had to leave everything behind during war and escape, their four-legged friends are more than just companions – they are family members who provide support and comfort. At the same time, people want to give their animals the protection, security and closeness that they desperately need after the traumatic experiences of war and migration. This relationship serves as a mutual support system that aids both parties in attaining stability during times of loss and uncertainty. However, life in a shared accommodation centre, where many people live in a confined space, is not without its challenges. Residents often have very different relationships with animals: some residents are afraid of dogs, others have allergies, and others do not understand the importance of pets to their owners. Furthermore, animals themselves are often stressed and frightened in unfamiliar surroundings. These tensions often lead to conflicts, especially when pets are not accepted everywhere.
We have initiated the “Pet Neighbourhood Days” to enhance the visibility of the “animal neighbourhood” and provide friendly guidance towards a more harmonious coexistence. On these days, the focus was on pets: there were consultations with experts who gave residents practical tips on how to care for their pets. We also organised screen-printing sessions to make T-shirts and bags with animal motifs, and together we designed pet buttons to be worn as a visible sign of the animal neighbourhood. One resident, who is herself a dog owner, prepared gingerbread in the form of dogs and cats and distributed them around the Neighbourhood. This loving initiative got people talking and made the animals more visible in a friendly, casual way. The conversations and activities strengthened the animal community and brought the needs of animals to the forefront.
It became increasingly clear to the residents how important it was for their pets to have their own space at the accommodation centre. In the accommodation centre, where many people live in a confined space, there is often a lack of positive stimulation, which is crucial for the well-being of pets. The Tempelhofer Feld has a dog exercise and play area that we recommend to residents. However, there was a strong desire for a place within the accommodation centre space that would meet both practical needs and allow for spontaneous encounters. These discussions resulted in the creation of a place where dogs could play and train.
The small
amphitheatre
The idea of creating a small amphitheatre emerged from discussions and sketches with the residents of the accommodation during the process. Initially, a round stage was proposed to provide space for games and performances. This idea was further developed and eventually led to the design of an amphitheatre, a place that not only provides a stage, but also provides seating and space for various meetings.
The construction process was very dynamic. Residence of all generations took part, regardless of whether they shared a common language. Communication was often non-verbal, such as through gestures, working together, and showing ideas. There was a constant flow of residents as some stopped by to observe the process, while others came back to work for extended periods. Everyone contributed in their own way.
Several of the original proposals were adapted as the work progressed. The amphitheatre was initially designed with round seating and smaller tables and benches, as a result of the residents’ suggestions. However, it quickly became apparent that light, mobile elements would not last long in the square. Instead, several robust tables of varying heights were constructed, which could be utilized in a multitude of settings, including workshops, communal meals, and other activities.
One of the tables was given a special design, which included a mosaic created in collaboration with the residents. Throughout the process, we shared stories, techniques, and discussed what each piece might mean. The process of assembling the mosaic mirrored the entire process of assembling components to create a novel creation. The space was complemented by a series of green elements designed to create an inviting atmosphere.
The result was a place that was not only built, but literally created together. The amphitheatre with its tables provides space for discussions, meetings and activities. It illustrates how practical collaboration can create something that lasts beyond the construction period, a meeting place that visualises the dynamism and diversity of the whole process.
The small amphitheatre and the accompanying table ensemble were created in collaboration with the Concernists Collective, artists Wirya Budaghi and Bariş Seyitvan, and the residents of the shared accommodation. The mosaics were made in collaboration with the Mosaizistas collective and the residents.
Tea
and the art
of neighbourly
hospitality
Our encounter with a Kurdish family from Sulaymaniyah at the shared accommodation centre led to something special: an invitation to tea. The family, who regularly attended our meetings and helped us develop the meeting landscape, opened their home to us and offered us a space of warmth and hospitality.
We sat on the floor of their small container, drank strong, aromatic tea and ate home-made biscuits made from flour, sugar and butter, flavoured with nuts. Together, we engaged in discussions regarding everyday life, including snapshots of memories and the perspectives we shared. These moments demonstrated that neighbourliness is more than just physical proximity, it is created through openness, mutual appreciation, and the sharing of experiences.
How
to transform
a place of retreat
into a vibrant space
The second meeting landscape was created in an area between two houses in the accommodation centre, which are primarily used for activities and workshops for children and young people. The outdoor space offered ideal conditions for creating a place specifically for young people — a place where they could sit outside, lie down or gather in small niches with friends. The idea was to create environments that would accommodate both solitary and social interactions. Furthermore, a large communal table was planned to provide space for creative work, collaborative projects, or group dialogue.
However, during the construction period, the emerging space developed its own dynamic. As the design progressed, children and young individuals became increasingly involved. They climbed on the roofs, maintained balance over long distances, jumped from one roof to another, and utilized the elements to customize the space in their own way. They ran, played, and connected the elements to create their own playground as the space became the scene of lively exploration.
This intense and physical appropriation not only brought the space to life, but also raised new questions and challenges: How can we trust young people to assess their own abilities and limitations? What’s the best way to create a place that’s both secure and lively? What happens if it doesn’t meet the safety requirements — will it have to be disassembled?
Additionally, there were complaints about noise and safety from the neighbourhood and the management of the shared accommodation centre. The initial response was to put up a sign prohibiting climbing on the roofs and stressing the responsibility of parents for their children. Nonetheless, this approach failed to address the fundamental concerns: How can one sustain the vibrancy of such a zone without jeopardizing safety and acceptance?
We were left with these unanswered questions – questions that are central to the design and maintenance of vibrant meeting landscapes. How do you create spaces that meet young people’s needs for movement, freedom and self-determination, while at the same time meeting the demands for safety and consideration? Every meeting scene faces a challenge in balancing trust and security, active use and controlled coexistence.
It’s a place that started out as a place to chill out and calm down, but it’s grown beyond that in response to young people taking over. It reflects the dynamics and diversity of the neighbourhood in all its aspects.
The seating and retreat area was created in collaboration with architect Thomas Wienands and the residents of the shared accommodation.
Fleeting
neighbourhoods
meets
Radical
Playgrounds
In conjunction with our project, we visited the ‘Radical Playgrounds’ located at the Gropius Bau with families from the shared accommodation centre. This art trail provided an opportunity for individuals to engage in play and social interaction. After the exhibition was dismantled, we were given materials to reuse: a variation of Raul Walch’s Maxi construction kit and two ‘Quasi-Objects’ by Agnieszka Kurant.
‘Qquasi-Objects’, which served as interactive play objects in the exhibition, found a new function in the accommodation centre: their play plates were integrated into the communal table of the seating and retreat landscape. The puzzle pieces of the maxi construction kit became flexible seat cushions. In this new context, the objects were transformed once again and became part of a lively everyday space. In this way the ideas of Radical Playground met the specific needs of the shared accommodation centre and showed how versatile playful elements can exist in new contexts.
After
the
construction
phase
Once the construction work was complete, a variety of activities brought the new meeting landscapes to life. During the final warm weeks of October, residents engaged in communal cooking, interactive music performances encouraged participation, and concerts transformed the square into a multilingual stage, featuring sounds in Kurmancî, Soranî, Turkish, Arabic, and Farsi. There were also special moments for children: small workshops explored ways of resolving conflicts in a playful way and offered space for dialogue. In the bicycle cinema, the participants themselves became a source of energy, lighting up the projections with each pedal stroke and giving the place its own dynamic.
Between
leash
and
freedom
The idea of creating a playground for dogs was born out of a desire to give our animal neighbours the opportunity to exercise and socialise. We began developing ideas and designs for this place early on.
The playground was intended to be situated within the central square, but at a distance to avoid causing any disturbance to other residents. There was a lot to consider: a fence was not allowed, the dogs had to be kept on a lead at all times, and the whole area had to remain accessible for other purposes. These restrictions were taken into account in the designs.
One resident suggested that the play area for dogs should be moved to a less central location. This idea would provide more peace and quiet for the animals and their owners, as well as the possibility that people who did not want animals in their neighbourhood would not be confronted with them in the central square. This option, however, was rejected due to the risk of vandalism. The central square remained the only option.
Two weeks before construction was supposed to start, things changed. The management of the community centre withdrew their consent. The management raised security concerns, as well as the fact that residents with pets are unlikely to remain in the area for the foreseeable future. The decision was a setback, but it led to a compromise: instead of a fixed spot, the play equipment was made mobile, allowing it to be disassembled after each use.
Even though the playground wasn’t built exactly as planned, the process was important. It was not just about building, it was about getting things moving, both literally and metaphorically. The process became a space for dialogue, ideas and perspectives. It was an attempt to place the requirements of animals and their owners at the forefront of an ever-changing community.
The mobile dog playground was created in collaboration with artist and founder of dogschkola Masha Zinger, interior designer Eric Tournoux and the residents of the shared accommodation.
My path
to
Empowerment
In the shared accommodation centre on Columbiadamm, people with different stories, experiences and perspectives live together in a small space. This diversity has the potential to be beneficial, yet it also poses challenges. Residents are not often aware that certain words or actions can be hurtful. Furthermore, they usually lack strategies for responding to or dealing with discriminatory situations. With this in mind, the question arose: How can we tackle these issues without coming off as preachy and still reach out to people in their current circumstances? We were seeking an approach that would not only raise awareness but also impart practical skills in a manner that was both comprehensible and applicable to daily life.
German learning is a central aspect of life at the centre. Numerous residents are motivated to enhance their language skills in order to become more independent in everyday life. This need became the starting point for our thinking: What could a format look like that combines language support with awareness of discrimination?
To develop the game, we first wanted to better understand what life is like in the accommodation centre, what situations people experience there, what conflicts arise, and what needs people have. These dynamics were reflected in the surroundings of the accommodation centre, with slogans on the walls in the outdoor area that could be hurtful or discriminatory. These observations were incorporated into the development of the game, which was founded on authentic experiences and challenges.
The language card game “My path to empowerment” was inspired by the project “Play for your Rights! — Innovative Media Education Strategies against Sexism and Discrimination” project. The game features characters with varying characteristics and backgrounds. These characters are confronted with discriminatory remarks based on prejudices or stereotypes, for instance, due to their appearance, behaviour, or ethnic background. Players analyze these situations, place themselves in the shoes of the characters, and develop appropriate responses. By engaging in this activity, participants not only acquire proficiency in the language, but also acquire empathy skills and cultivate a critical mindset towards discrimination.
During the workshops, the participants engaged in intensive work on the topic They learned how to recognize and respond to hurtful comments, and how to verbally express their own feelings and emotions. The game provided a secure space for discussing discrimination and collaborating on solutions. The game mechanics promoted not only language knowledge but also action skills: How can I clearly communicate my point of view in challenging situations? What’s the best way to defend myself and others?
Language became more than a tool for communication. It made it possible to articulate needs, to protect oneself and to take action. For the participants, the acquisition of German also meant acquiring a voice and establishing their visibility both within the accommodation centre and beyond.
Empowerment isn’t a one-time thing, it’s a continuous process. The game “My Path to Empowerment” represented a modest but significant milestone on this path, combining language, awareness, and empowerment in a unique manner.
The language card game ‘My Path to Empowerment’ was created in collaboration with the “Political kitchen” collective.
Shaping
the
neighbourhood
The “Fleeting Neighbourhoods” project has shown that neighbourliness in shared accommodation cannot be taken for granted, but must be actively shaped and negotiated. A sense of community is not solely generated by physical proximity, but rather through shared experiences, encounters, and the negotiation of diverse needs. The artistic and structural interventions provided an important basis for this by creating spaces that could be flexibly used and individually interpreted. Such spaces allowed people to relax and come together, bringing together people from different backgrounds and experiences.
The key factor in overcoming social obstacles was the participation of residents. Not all people participated in the same manner: some residents contributed concepts, others assisted with the construction, and others simply observed. This openness allowed for different forms of participation and ensured that people could contribute in their own way. The process demonstrated that participation is not linear, and that it takes time to build trust and encourage commitment. It became clear, however, that not all needs could be met equally and that compromises were inevitable.
Cooperation was particularly strengthened through activities that did not require language, such as working, playing or cooking together. Such interactive formats helped to reduce the distance between people and promote empathy. However, there were also differences in expectations regarding the use of spaces or disagreements regarding living together that led to serious tensions. These instances underscored the significance of designing spaces not only as physical locations but also as social learning areas where dynamics can be contemplated and novel forms of interaction can be tested.
