The exhibition presents ten artistic approaches by architectural students at the Berlin University of the Arts (UdK), featuring new interpretations of previously undesigned spaces at the Kulturforum. The projects show how architectural and landscape interventions can unite the site into a coherent, vibrant urban space.

The Location

The Kulturforum is a unique cultural location in the centre of Berlin. Built during the division of Berlin as West Berlin’s counterpart to the “Museumsinsel” (Museum Island) ‒ an undulating landscape in the spirit of Hans Scharoun ‒ today it presents itself as an ensemble of striking solitary structures in a quiet urban area. It is particularly these intermediate spaces that possess a great, so far barely exploited, potential: as connecting elements, as spaces of possibility for urban life, and as places to meet or pass time.

A rare density and variety of cultural institutions have come together at this location ‒ museums, libraries, research institutes and a concert house of international renown. The buildings themselves are a further expression of this rich abundance, designed by influential architects, including Hans Scharoun, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Rolf Gutbrod and Hilmer & Sattler, and recently augmented by the emerging “berlin modern” based on plans by Herzog & de Meuron. A spectrum of visual art, literature, music, fashion, design, and architecture condenses into a field of culture found in only a few places worldwide comparable in scope.

Development and Future of the Kulturforum

Berlin’s Kulturforum should also remain a place of ideas in the future, a space where urban coexistence, living and designing can be pondered and experienced in the intermediate spaces. For students at the Berlin University of the Arts, the Kulturforum represents an inspirational city history, which they used to design visions of coexistence and urbanity. During the summer semester in 2025, the Master’s studios mentored by Prof. Bettina Götz and atelier le balto examined the urban planning and landscape context. They developed perspectives for a new interplay between the solitary elements. The resulting visions offer insights into possible futures for the Kulturforum and demonstrate how much potential this location has for further development.

This exhibition is conceived to provide impulses: It invites visitors to reflect on the open questions, possibilities and challenges surrounding the Kulturforum and collectively consider how this special place may continue to evolve.

Curatorial Team

Students at the Berlin University of the Arts curated the exhibition: Finn Brunsch, Sophie Daum, Lara Grefer, Anna Jung, Yeeun Kang, Woohee Kim, Lea Krüger, Joss Pablo Pionschek, Nathan Reichenthal, Paula Riebel, Lukas Paul Ruhe, Jakob Stadtmüller, Marwin Seeber, Augusta Verbiesen, Elisabeth Weinbacher, Carl Wolff

A special presentation of ten artistic approaches intended to reinvigorate the Kulturforum, from the studios of Prof. Bettina Götz & atelier le balto, Berlin University of the Arts, in cooperation with the Kunstbibliothek (Art Library) and the Kunstgewerbemuseum (Museum of Decorative Arts) ‒ Staatliche Museen zu Berlin