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BeguinageArchitect:
PPL Barbara Brakenhoff Client: Verein Beginen Werk e.V. Completion: 2007 Usable floor area: 3780 square meters (40688 square ft) In what ways does this project encourage inter-generational living? This building provide both privacy for each individual and their need for social activity. Guest rooms are available on first floor for temporary visitors and on the upper floor; four unit share a balcony walkway space, an open and decorative area for the residents. How does this project demonstrate Universal Design or Barrier-Free living? For specific users only like independent women, also most of them are seniors so 53 wheelchair-accessible apartments are available. What other amenity does the project feature that cater to the residents? The semi-public courtyard at the rear of the building provides a gathering space for group activities and communal space on the ground floor provide a social room for activities. How does the layout of the building enhance the users experience? The main access to apartments are through the entrance passageway in the center of the building to provide security. The main circulation is on the back of the building facing the courtyard to provide more privacy for residents. Private balconies on the street side provide abundant views towards nature and the city. The curved shape of the facade creates the dynamic feeling to enhance the overall experience. How does the site enhance the project? The building is located near the Landwehrkanal in Kreuzberg, a vibrant, urban and functionally diverse district of Berlin. So the diversity of the site helps the designer to fill the building into the urban context. What sustainable measures does this project employ? No information available. What public amenities are within the surrounding context of the project? Excellent public transport links, shopping possibilities beyond the everyday needs, cultural and sports facilities such as swimming pool and Hammam, restaurants and pubs. Describe the interior, exterior, vertical and horizontal circulation. Exterior facade on street side has curvilinear form to provide balcony space for each apartments. While on the courtyard side it is rectangular with two circulation cores. Interior is mainly white walls with wood flooring and wood frame windows. Vertical circulation are the two staircases and elevators while horizontal circulation is in the back of the building facing the courtyards. How do existing and created outdoor spaces enhance the design concept of the project? This project intended to create social interactions for women, so the courtyard space provides an outdoor gathering space for them. Also, the loggia area in each floor creates another social floor mates relationship between residents. What are the principal materials, assemblies, and structural system? From my observation, the principal materials are concrete, wood and glass. Concrete is the main structure material and interior finishes are mainly wood while glass windows on the exterior facade towards street. Structural systems should be shear wall or load-bearing wall system. Describe the entry approach to the building. With this curvilinear form on the facade, visitors are attracted to go inside and know more about the building. On the ground floor, the glass panels curved towards only entrance of the building. With the courtyard behind the doors, visitors are invited to go inside and join the party. Works Cited Brakenhoff, Barbara. Beginenhof, Berlin, Germany. 2007. Photograph. n.p. Web. 18 Sep 2013. <http://www.ppl-leipzig.de/gemeinschaftliches_wohnen/gemeinschaft_01.htm>. Feddersen, Eckhard, and Insa Ludtke. ADesign Manual Living for the Elderly. 1st ed. 1. Berlin, Germany: Birkhauser, 2009. 148. Print. |