Stefan successfully defended his dissertation on 23 October 2023. The thesis itself was written as part of the PEP (Design-based Doctorate Programme) at TU Berlin and revolves around our core competence: design as landscape architecture. This is the question that drives us at studio polymorph: How do we combine design autonomy with our interest in the inclusion of place and people? And what conclusions do we draw from this for the design process, i.e. the procedure between task and solution? Stefan's answer is in the title of his dissertation: ‘Designing between autonomy and mediation - a strategic model of action for the landscape architectural design process’.

Based on the approaches developed by Hans Loidl, "Open(ing) Spaces)" is the result of several years of discussion between Hans Loidl and Stefan Bernard, published by Birkhäuser in 2003. The passion for design as a creative act combined with the shared interest in questions of perception and epistemology served as the actual foundation. Essentially a didactic approach, "Open(ing) spaces" is probably a book by "doers" for "doers", a toolbox and assistance for designing as landscape architecture. In the introduction to the new edition, Stefan Bernard outlines the genesis of the book against the background of today's planning culture and states its unchanged relevance for the design of high-quality open spaces. The revised and expanded new edition has been published October 24, 2022. | ISBN: 9783035626179

Self-employment can look very different in landscape architecture and this episode is all about equal office partnerships. Agata Waszczuk and Stefan Bernard, who have been running the Berlin office studio polymorph together since 1 January 2020, are podcast guests in this episode. Lioba Lissner and Claus Herrmann talk to them about the reasons and motivation behind their partnership and how it can work well. They also talk about finding a suitable office name, look back on the 1990s and 2000s and the spirit of optimism, but also the challenges at the time.

Landscape architecture as a constructing discipline is confronted with a multitude of demands: it has to be 'ecological', 'sustainable', 'social', 'artistic', etc. - depending on perspective and respective trends. Abstract, a priori expectations however hinder the necessarily positive, open regard of existing potentials and specific demands that emerge from any given task. | Stefan Bernard at Berlin Technical University, Chair of Project Design, January 22nd 2014.

Adequacy is one of the central programmatic terms within the work of SBL; meaning that any intervention, any design relates specifically to a given context. There is no overarching truth, which is why the meaning (validity) of things may sensibly be discussed only in relation to a specific context, be it real or theoretic. | Stefan Bernard at the symposium "reading berlin" at haute école du paysage, d'ingénierie et d'architecture Geneva, December 3rd 2013.

The design concept for the open spaces at Ebersbach Abbey is based on the reflection of the essence of Cistercian thinking and the resulting design principles; articulated in terms such as 'uniformity', 'simplicity', 'modesty', or 'implicitness'. In his presentation Matthias Schlosser lays out how the lighting concept was developed from these essential concepts, and how it is realized in different areas of the abbey. | At the Federation of German Landscape Architects' "Malenter Runde", November 9th, 2013.

What 'reality' is meant when we mean garden? Do 'images of a garden' or texts about gardens become 'aesthetically' effective in a way similar to 'really' being in one? And, how do classic mind images of the garden relate to gardens that intentionally resist common sense? Is this horticulture or an artistic garden? | Contribution by Stefan Bernard to the publication "Green islands in the city". Edited by Kamel Louafi, Jovis publishers, ISBN 978-3868592634.

"This module provides an understanding of the distinctive parameters of specific sites and discusses the relationship between used materials and their effects on human behaviour. Starting from a general reflection on design and the distinctiveness of landscape architecture as a design product the module focuses on the following: Creating space, creating focal points, movement and pause." | Teaching modul by Stefan Bernard at the National University of Singapore, 14th - 25th October 2013.

National University of Singapore

In Urania's Kleist Hall three current landscape architecture projects in Berlin were featured in a panel discussion. Next to 'Kleiner Tiergarten' by Latz + Partner, and Gleisdreieck Park by Atelier Loidl the open spaces at the state school of hotel management were discussed by journalists and - in the role of interested lay - by the renown entertainer Gayle Tufts. | German Federal Chamber of Architects 'Architekturquartett', September 12th, 2013.

After ten years of working jointly at Bernard and Sattler, a compilation of the realized projects means also to check the relevancy of one's work. Starting from the selection of what to show, thus focussing, creating hierarchies; based on passions and the perspective of external photographers; but also the maximum reduction of text and the realization of the graphic design. The result is an atmospheric status report and an experiment in the format of a magazine.

As the question of barrier-free access and spaces gains more and more importance, it becomes obvious that it opens a new field for landscape architects. In her article Sandra Rösler describes the development of a guide system for visually impaired as implemented within the re-design of Heinrich-König-Square in Gelsenkirchen. Of special interest is the mediation of legal requirements with the project aims in the context of design and functionality. | In: FreeLounge 02/2013, pages: 34-38.

The complexity of the question what sustainable answers might be to a given context can only be dealt with by method of design (i.e. composition, hierarchy and order). Because: the very opposite of sustainability is arbitrariness without a context. | Lecture by Stefan Bernard at Kann Dialog in Munich, April 14th, 2013.

The relationship between planners and users is often characterized by conflict. Here, an open dialogue between protagonists is helpful. Prejudice can be cast aside. Based on mutual respect for each other's requirements and motives, a dialogical process involving the employees at the Federal Environment Agency sounded the possibilities of establishing a natural area amidst a registered building ensemble. Finishing with a positive result. | Involved: Federal Office for Building and Regional Planning (BBR), employees at the Federal Environment Agency, gerkan, marg + partners. January/February 2013.

All over the world 'ubiquitous cities' are being developed in which ever present, invisible computer networks control the functions of the city. Invited by the Federation of German Landscape Architects Stefan Bernhard, together with futurologist Birgit Gebhart, presents and discusses the relevancy and meaning of 'real' open spaces in an increasingly digitally dominated world | Free Academy of the Arts, Hamburg. November 20th, 2012.

The project for Spittelmarkt was developed in a dialogic design process, intensively involving the relevant administrative departments as much as the residents. This way, a high degree of acceptance for the project could be gained. In 2013 the local district newspaper Stadtteilaktiv writes in an open letter: "The temporary design for Spittelmarkt is a successful example for involving citizens in the early planning stages of designing their surroundings."

"... The lightness of being and the force and dynamics of nature reveal themselves in their most pleasent form. The blaze of colour is, however, short-lived and springtime quickly passes, not made to last. The leaves on the trees grow rapidly larger, filling out the woodland canopy visibly until it forms a roof. A space is created, dense and defined as if almost architecture ..." | Essay by Stefan Bernard in: "move - Architecture in Motion", Birkhäuser, page: 18-21.

In Berlin a young, self-conscious landscape architecture has taken root. Their projects carry the promise of a new generation with advanced design skills at a high level of commitment and empathy towards the respective sites and tasks. For the exhibition of the Federation of German Landscape Architects twenty-one young Berlin offices were selected for the outstanding design qualities of their projects. | Participation with the projects Bonifatiuspark and State Representation of Hesse. At Collegium Hungaricum Berlin, June 6-19, 2008.