Roundup: Hybrid Talks XXV “Designing Space”

Space as a complex topic, appearing in various different disciplines, is perfectly suitable to fill an evening in the Hybrid Lab. The main question of the event was how space is designed, which tools can be used and which kinds of spaces we will be entering and inhabiting in the near future. Our speakers all had their specific and different answers which drew a picture of a wide field of research and creation.

We are co-producers of space and as such we are co-producers of segregation and gentrification – as shown by Prof. Jörg Stollmann. The specialist for urban design and urbanization at the Technische Universität Berlin (TU) was running quickly through his slides, giving insights into the correlation of retirement provisions and rising rent prices in cities. Simplifying the outcomes of his models, the conclusion is that it’s really us, who are at the center of this process.

The topic of the evening was approached very differently by Alexandra Ranner, professor for Spatial and Sculptural Design at the University of the Arts Berlin (UdK). She was showing her artistic work “Image Space Borders”; a great work on spaces and perception, on space and feelings, on how images and space can define frontiers and borders, and how these borders confuse our perception of space.

Then we were jumping into cold waters, more precisely into cold light. Dr. Martine Knoop, working in the field of Lighting Technology at TU Berlin, was presenting her current research about daylight. In a seriously scientific manner, her team and her are scanning the skies, reproducing the levels of light in a “LIGHT ROOM” in order to discover possible light-effects for the improvement of space design.

It was the perfect transition to the next speaker, Prof. Dr. Christoph Nytsch-Geusen specialist in Physics and Building Services at UdK Berlin. Imagine him standing in the light of the projector, proclaiming that his work is more about indoor climate and associated feelings rather than something as precise as working with light. He’s well known on the campus for the solar pavillon project “Team Rooftop” which he proudly announced is going to be erected soon on Campus Charlottenburg.

Prof. Dr. Matthias Ballestrem (TU Berlin) started his presentation stating that the average German liked mid-complexity as he or she would consider everything else as too challenging and stressful. Somehow this point – obviously aimed at our architectural ambitions or lack thereof – led on to insights about his current research project on public indoor spaces called “Public Interiors”. Rushing through his slides, as almost everyone presenting this evening, he ended up showing public interiors, which were slightly alterated. Within these spaces different settings and styles can be explored virtually and experimented with, each style creating very distinct impressions.  

All in all it was a joyful ride through the spheres of “designing space”. To round of the evening, the first sunshine of the year allowed for a nice, informal exchange in and in front of the Hybrid Lab.

With impatience we’re looking forward to our next Hybrid Talks on 13th July.

– Marius

Listen to these talks again here!