BI Theses
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Browsing BI Theses by Subject "activation"
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Publication Restricted When Does a Corner Come to Life? Defining Parameters for Spatial Revitalisation in Underutilised or Dead Interior Zones(2025) Clara Wessolowski; Katrin Brünjes; Interior Architecture/Interior Design (BA); Berlin International University of Applied SciencesWithin the realm of interior architecture, “the dead corner” is described as a spatial condition that does not offer structural, aesthetic or functional value. This thesis examines how an often-overlooked area can play a significant role in an interior. While corners are an inherent part of rectilinear construction, their neglect reflects a broader shift in culture and design. Historically, corners were integrated through ornamentation and symbolism, particularly seen in the Renaissance and Neoclassical periods. In contrast, the modernist interiors rejected heavy decoration and reduced these areas to minimal junctions. To understand the importance of a corner, the research draws on architectural theory such as Gestalt philosophy, which helps identify how spaces are perceived and how certain layout strategies can suppress or activate corners. Gaston Bachelard`s phenomenological perspective reveals that even corners are charged with symbolic meaning, describing them as spaces for introspection and retreat. The confrontation with oneself marks the corner as the “chamber of being” (Bachelard 1994, 159). Case studies of contemporary interiors demonstrate recurring patterns of underuse, while design publications highlight strategies, such as decorative treatments, vertical features, and built-in elements, which aim to reintegrate the corner into the spatial logic. The research identifies six archetypal corner-strategies: glazed, open, stepped, sunken and built-in, from the work of renowned architects such as Frank Lloyd Wright, Louis Kahn and Manuel Aires Mateus. These archetypes suggest activation through built-in furniture and programmable function in and around existing corners. These findings are tested in the design project The Living Corner in Berlin, which reimagines corners as generative devices within a community hub. The thesis concludes that spatial revitalisation of corners can be achieved through material differentiation, functional assignment, built-in furniture, and symbolic integration. In addition, the findings act as a guide, offering inspiration when faced with the challenge of a “dead corner.”