In Berlin; decrepit structures do not always denote urban blight. Decayed buildings are incorporated into everyday life as residences; exhibition spaces; shops; offices; and as leisure space. As nodes of public dialogue; they serve as platforms for dissenting views about the future and past of Berlin. In this book; Daniela Sandler introduces the concept of counterpreservation as a way to understand this intentional appropriation of decrepitude. The embrace of decay is a sign of Berlins iconoclastic rebelliousness; but it has also been incorporated into the mainstream economy of tourism and development as part of the citys countercultural cachet. Sandler presents the possibilities and shortcomings of counterpreservation as a dynamic force in Berlin and as a potential concept for other cities.Counterpreservation is part of Berlinrsquo;s fabric: in the cityrsquo;s famed Hausprojekte (living projects) such as the Koslash;pi; Tuntenhaus; and KA 86; in cultural centers such as the Haus Schwarzenberg; the Schokoladen; and the legendary; now defunct Tacheles; in memorials and museums; and even in commerce and residences. The appropriation of ruins is a way of carving out affordable spaces for housing; work; and cultural activities. It is also a visual statement against gentrification; and a complex representation of history; with the marks of different periodsmdash;the nineteenth century; World War II; postwar division; unificationmdash;on display for all to see. Counterpreservation exemplifies an everyday urbanism in which citizens shape private and public spaces with their own hands; but it also influences more formal designs; such as the Topography of Terror; the Berlin Wall Memorial; and Daniel Libeskindrsquo;s unbuilt redevelopment proposal for a site peppered with ruins of Nazi barracks. By featuring these examples; Sandler questions conventional notions of architectural authorship and points toward the value of participatory environments.
2016-11-10 2016-11-10File Name: B01MRIE4SO
Review
