Social Housing in the
Berlin Block

The intervention aims to create a type of collective social housing that accommodates the diverse needs of modern household types. Two flat typologies are proposed: individual flats, which follow the traditional living model, and shared flats (WGs) where daytime spaces are communal.

The main architectural concept focuses on creating spaces that promote social cohesion and provide a high level of comfort while maintaining a sense of privacy and adhering to Berlin’s legal regulations for social housing. To achieve this, the building is divided into half-floor sections, ensuring that windows, balconies, loggias and terraces are staggered to prevent direct visual overlap.

The project also incorporates a diverse range of functions. The ground floor, underground level and upper level are dedicated to public cultural and recreational spaces. The courtyard plays a central, unifying role in the design, organizing the surrounding built volumes. At the heart of the complex there is an in-ground multifunctional hall alongside a spacious area for resident gatherings. Smaller shared spaces are distributed throughout the intermediate floors, and the top level features a rooftop terrace designed for urban gardening.

The project revitalizes the war-damaged street frontage by reinterpreting the traditional Berlin Block typology. Its central location aims to foster social integration for vulnerable groups, offering an alternative to the ongoing gentrification process. This approach supports the development of social cohesion, essential for forming a resilient, inclusive community.