The KreativWerk as a third place.

Meet the “Kreativwerk"

‍An interdisciplinary start-up and business centre has been created just outside Berlin as part of a "life science cluster" in Hennigsdorf.

The Puschkin Gymnasium, a former grammar school, combines economic development with an integrated urban development plan as well as monument protection. A diverse, innovative space for start-ups and founding companies from the health and creative industries is being created on more than 5,000 square metres. The combination of maker spaces, coworking and event areas creates a unique working environment that gives both companies and individuals access to modern machines and production processes.

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‍Challenge

‍The challenge is to convert the former grammar school into a building that enables and promotes modern and forward-looking ways of working. The aim is to integrate a modern infrastructure into a listed building, to preserve the history and make it visible, but at the same time, provide enough space for a new narrative. We have paid special attention to the location of various functions within the building. Thus, on the one hand, the design should support agile and flexible ways of working while providing opportunities for retreat, and on the other hand, it should promote social interaction and spontaneous collaboration.

Process

‍The first step in our planning was a comprehensive survey of the listed building. Together with KBI GmbH, representative profiling and needs of future tenants and employees were established in workshops. A precise analysis of the outcome made it possible to define the future potential and use. Movement profiles provided information on sensible locations for individual areas within the building.

With the definition of use and function for individual rooms, adequate equipment was determined and the rooms were checked for effective working methods and required work space.

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‍‍‍Impact

‍The conversion of the Puschkin Gymnasium will create a lively place for social participation in the centre of Hennigsdorf that is quickly and spontaneously accessible to all citizens. The KreativWerk promotes creation, innovation and interaction, it offers its tenants the opportunity to seek and find new collaborations - a "third place" for cooperation within the framework of holistic urban development.

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+++ completion December 2022 +++

photos: @Marcus Zumbansen