Gipsformerei, Berlin
Client Stiftung Preußischer Kulturbesitz (SPK)
Team Stefan Bernard, Agata Waszczuk; Maria Zaghi, Darren Saturra, Sarah Südfeld, Anna Ostermann
Art Anne Gathmann
Scale 4.800 m²/ ca. 3 Mio. Euro
Award Competition recognition
Location Sophie-Charlotten-Straße 17/18, 14059 Berlin
Two aspects are constitutive for the Gipsformerei: it is a workshop/manufactory and a collection/archive. A need for protected work meets the cultural-political task of visualising the exhibits. The design picks up on this and organises the areas in a meaningful way. The ‘shop window’ in the new building plays a key role : it is the attraction for visitors, where the exhibits can be admired in all their opulence and exceptionality. The prestigious display courtyard is the institution's calling card, showcase and event venue. It ends at the level of the display window. Here it merges into the Werkhof, characterised by subtle design elements. The works of art located at this interface further emphasise the structure. Two garden typologies form the bracket of the plaster moulding shop. The gypsum garden in the entrance area with a planting of white-flowering gypsophila. This is contrasted by the works garden, an area reserved for employees. The two courtyards are connected by the arboretum. Taking up the aspect of the archive of the plaster moulding shop, a space-creating tree garden with a collection of living trees is being created here. The selection of plants symbolises the internationality of the Gipsformerei, refers to the places of origin of the exhibits and brings together trees and shrubs from Europe, Africa, Asia and America. By being at a slightly lower level, the arboretum can function as a temporary retention basin, therefore meeting current climate and sustainability goals in terms of rainwater management.