Browsing by Subject "Countries, regions"
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Item Restricted A comparative study between Filipino and western culture and its implications for business practice(2020) Behar Villegas, Erick; Poljsak-Rosinski, Petra; bachelor thesis in Business Administration"This study looks into the differences between Filipino and Western cultures and their implications for business practice. It aims to (1) critically review the existing literature on intercultural competences as well as cross-cultural studies regarding the Philippines, (2) identify the key success factors of Western firms and expatriates conducting business in the Philippines, and (3) characterize the context of the Philippine setting for businesses. With this, a qualitative approach has been used with data extracted from in-depth interviews with both Filipinos and Westerners with experience working with Filipinos. Data was also collected from few reputable blogs in which template analysis was used to organize the data. Grounded theory was used as its methodology, but constant comparison with existing literature in cross-cultural management and institution-based view was also made. To conclude, possible issues were identified and recommendations were provided on how to manage it. The context of the Philippines as a business setting was also provided. Keywords: intercultural competence, intercultural communication, cross-cultural."Item Restricted A cross-cultural comparison of influencer marketing campaign strategy on Instagram between German and Indonesian influencer(2020) Gunawan, Gloria Stephanie; Artinger, Florian M; Lieb, Manfred G; bachelor thesis in Business Administration"Influencer marketing is a highly relevant topic in digital marketing worldwide. It has proven to efficiently gain awareness and drive sales, especially on social media like Instagram. This study explores the influencer marketing campaign strategy on Instagram, looking at influencer's side in two different countries: Germany and Indonesia. Starting with the introduction of influencer marketing, influencer's characteristics, and Instagram as the sole platform analyzed in this study; this paper compares the influencer marketing development and national cultures of the two countries. The national culture comparison in this paper is based upon Hofstede's six dimensions, which will be reflected later in a marketing context. Methodological approaches to answer the research questions are elaborated afterward. The implication of the results is later discussed along with the recommendation for future studies surrounding this topic. The conclusion is drawn to point out the differences and similarities between German and Indonesian influencers in their strategies to promote campaigns on Instagram."Item Restricted A curative atmosphere? : the effect of interior design on in-patient recovery in psychiatric facilities(2020) Westerlund, Judith Cornelia; Ebert, Carola; Martín, Javier; bachelor thesis in Interior Design"By bringing knowledge of the human psyche into design practice, the spaces within which we spend time may help to both prevent poor mental health, and also contribute to treating mental illness in a more efficient way than they do today. Hence, understanding mental illness and mental health may prove an important development within design, and design may also prove an invaluable tool in furthering the understanding of mental disorders. Through this thesis, it is sought to describe the atmospheric qualities which evidently play a pivotal role in therapeutic spaces by identifying specific characteristics of a curative atmosphere. These characteristics can inform design strategies which may be employed to design psychiatric hospitals in order to better support the treatments taking place within them. Such characteristics have been identified via a literature review of predominantly psychiatric journals, hence allowing psychology to inform design strategies. These, in turn, can positively impact the practice of psychotherapy by producing engaging therapeutic environments. By categorising the recurring themes in the reviewed literature, a comprehensive list or guide of integral aspects and design features contributing to a curative atmosphere can be compiled, which designers and stakeholders of therapeutic environments should consider in the design process of such spaces."Item Restricted Adaptive interior design strategies for constantly changing living conditions(2018) Faghihi, Gila Modjtahed Zadeh; Larsen, Sigurd; Pöğün-Zander, Yüksel; Faculty of Architecture and Design; Berlin International University of Applied Sciences"Germany currently finds itself in the midst of a housing crisis, in particular because the property market has mainly been defined by profit-driven development. There is a lack of adequate and affordable living space, especially for those in the creative scene. Artists, musicians, small-scale entrepreneurs, and urban creatives who themselves create "the urban" they inhabit find themselves priced-out of the city and are forced to cope with the increasing issue of increased housing costs and low housing stock. This Bachelor thesis examines the recent development of adaptive forms of housing provision in response to such a crisis, thereby investigating past and existing alternative living/housing principles in the form of cooperatively organized housing projects. This research indicates the emergence of a new mode of future-oriented living as well as a process of hybridization that leads in the direction of new modes of dwelling in urban spaces. Reviewing the existing literature on the topic as well as surveys of long-term development in the realm of urban living, this thesis evaluates current living conditions in the modern city by considering the relevant historical background of collaborative living and working arrangements and allowing past projects to inform future-thinking designs."Item Restricted Adaptive re-use of Icelandic community houses : the case of Fellsborg(2019) Lárusdóttir, Erla María; Martín, Javier; Pöğün-Zander, Yüksel; Faculty of Architecture and Design; Berlin International University of Applied Sciences"Icelandic community houses can be found in almost every town in the country, no matter how small. They can also be found in rural areas where farmers have come together and instigated their construction for the rural community. Most of these houses were built between 1950 and 1970 and through the years they have served a variety of functions, many of them simultaneously, as in small communities, options of other venues were very limited or non-existing. [...] In later years the need for the community houses has diminished as new buildings have taken over many of its former functions. As a result the buildings have been becoming a great financial burden on the municipalities who often are their sole owner. With less use the income of the houses inevitably decreases and the maintenance of such large buildings is expensive and is now, due to less use, often kept to a minimum. [...] A possible solution to the problem of community houses would be to find a way to increase the use of the buildings again with an approach of adaptive re-use. In this thesis this approach will be studied, in particular focusing on finding a design solution for the community house Fellsborg, located in a small village with c.a. 500 inhabitants. The research conducted and the final design proposal could perhaps also serve as a reference for other communities looking to re-design their community houses. The aim of this research is to answer the following questions: 1) Which adaptive re-use strategy is the most suitable for the re-design of Fellsborg in relation to the diminishing use of the building? 2) Would the same strategy be an effective solution for other Icelandic community houses? [...] This thesis' research is divided into six chapters, starting with the introduction where there is a short explanation of Icelandic community houses and the relevance of the research. In the second chapter the origin of adaptive re-use will be reviewed and how the approach has grown and become increasingly more accepted and implemented in the field of architecture. After this, theories and different strategies related to adaptive re-use will be introduced and examples of relevant projects visited. Chapter three is an overview of the history of Icelandic community houses. The reason behind their nationwide appearance, within a fairly short period of time, will be explained as their value in the communities. Lastly, the reasons for the diminished use of the community houses and the consequencing financial impact will be addressed as for why it is important to find a way to keep these buildings in use. Chapter four is focused on case studies where the re-design of three Icelandic community houses is examined and compared in relation to former and current use, materiality and the extent of the changes made. In chapter five, Fellsborg, the community house which re-design this research aims to propose, is introduced. The building will be analyzed and subsequently a new design, based on an adaptive re-use approach, is presented. In the final chapter the research question will be discussed and the findings of the research summarized."Item Restricted Adaptive reuse : Berlin nightclub design in existing buildings(2020) Schröter, Antonia; Ebert, Carola; Pöğün-Zander, Yüksel; bachelor thesis in Interior Design"Berlin has managed to build a diverse club landscape that attracts not just its own inhabitants into the underground spaces of the city but people from all over the world. In 2018, the Berlin club commission calculated a total of 3 million 'club tourists' that visited the city primarily to experience its popular club culture (Dr. Damm, Steffen, and Drevenstedt, Lukas 2019). Altogether, the city counts 280 present club venues that provide entertainment based on various music genres. With its rather raw interior spaces, the rough techno beats, and the never-ending party nights, the city seems to have shaped its own identity of club culture that is appealing to a broad audience. Famous night clubs such as the Berghain and Tresor have found their homes within former industrial buildings that contribute to the unique Berlin nightlife atmosphere. Observing this active clubbing culture and the exceptional building structures in which clubs appear to be incorporated raises the question of how these two components, the existing building and the new function of a night club, are put together in architectural practice. Repurposing a building structure not only works with clubs but also became common in architecture due to rising numbers of abandoned buildings. The term adaptive reuse, to describe the process of repurposing a building rather than demolishing it, became formative in the 1960s in the US. When it came to the incorporation of new functions within abandoned buildings, the aim was not only to re-inhabit the existing housing but also to remodel the present structure to the extent that it still respects the heritage of the building. Nowadays, the majority of diverse adaptive reuse projects have established, and a variety of researchers have been published to communicate how architects deal with specific spaces. Nevertheless, the aspect of night clubs repurposing existing structures has rarely been mentioned. This thesis aims to draw a line between night clubs and adaptive reuse, therefore analysing not only how club design comes into being but especially how it is embedding the context of the building. Accordingly, this thesis seeks to tackle the following research question: How are night clubs, from an interior architecture point of view, incorporated in existing buildings?"Item Restricted Adaptive reuse for hospitality design : focus on Qajari architecture(2020) Jahani, Yas; Ebert, Carola; Martín, Javier; bachelor thesis in Interior Design"Most of the existing buildings constructed during the Qajar era in Iran have outlived their initial owners, surroundings, and functions. Their remainders strongly mimic the past, creating a divergence between what once was & what is today. The majority of these treasures are currently deteriorating, leaving nothing but piles of dust, being eventually replaced by fabricated structures. Throughout the recent years, there has been a heightened interest in the new generation of architects and designers in Iran to revive these structures, cautiously preserving & restoring them back to their glorious existence, whilst giving them a new function. By transforming them into boutique hotels, they not only attract foreign tourists, but also local architecture and design enthusiasts across the country. [...] The aim of this research paper is to tie a link between the strategic theories developed in the 21st century and their implementation on the existing historical buildings constructed during the Qajar era, seeking to determine which of the strategies are best suitable to employ on these particular structures. [...] The outcome of this research will be reflected in the fifth chapter, the bachelor thesis project, a design proposal for the Bafandeh Historical House and its reprogramming to a boutique hotel & the project conclusion, serving to represent a personal strategic approach. The intention of this research is to provide a basis for projects tackling the same building typology, its challenges and the methods architects can undertake guaranteeing a successful outcome with the help of the theory of adaptive reuse."Item Restricted Adaptive reuse for residential design : theory and practice(2019) Forster, Lisa; Ebert, Carola; Pöğün-Zander, Yüksel; Faculty of Architecture and Design; Berlin International University of Applied Sciences"Adaptive Reuse , the concept of reusing existing buildings, reworking their floorplans, changing their functionality and hence, their purpose in order to revive them, has become common practice for architects, interior architects and designers. While buildings have been reused in different ways throughout history, the conscious preservation of a building not only as a monument within itself, but as part of a cityscape and collective memory are more recent developments. These categorical considerations of Adaptive Reuse coincide with a heightened interest in living in authentic spaces that were not originally constructed to be lived in, and issues such as sustainability and lack of urban living space. [...] The establishment of a set of suitable and common strategies for residential Adaptive Reuse projects can be identified as the main focus of this thesis. Further, drawing connections to existing Adaptive Reuse theory and providing a fresh perspective on a topic that has been of great interest in recent years is equally relevant. [...] The methods employed in this Bachelor thesis serve to investigate the current strategies in theory and practice of Adaptive Reuse for residential purposes. Initially, a comprehensive and comparative analysis of a selection of leading literature on the topic of Adaptive Reuse will be conducted. Relevant reuse strategies and tactics will be extracted from said literature and their potential for informing a residential reuse project will be reviewed. The following chapter is dedicated to the thorough qualitative review of five case studies. Each of the Adaptive Reuse projects which serve as case studies, exemplify a different form of reprogrammed building and also form of living, with the goal of exploring the use of strategies in the widest array of possible scenarios. These case studies are examined carefully in terms of their heritage and original use, the new use, the building's structure, the extent of transformation, their materiality and of course, the strategic approach undertaken by the architects. They do not, however, represent a specific aesthetic of Adaptive Reuse. For the analysis of these projects, a matrix is created which aims to establish an understanding of which Adaptive Reuse strategies were employed, how they affect the overall outcome of the design and how the correlations can be interpreted. The findings of this matrix will be presented after the introduction of the case studies. Overall, the research strives to underline the importance of the residential sector, not only for the practice, but also for a comprehensive theory of Adaptive Reuse."Item Restricted Aging in place : adaptive reuse of existing apartments as barrier-free living spaces for elderly in residential buildings in Berlin : a guideline for a redesign and a practical application integrated into a showroom concept(2020) Arlt-Herrmann, Kathleen; Ebert, Carola; Pöğün-Zander, Yüksel; bachelor thesis in Interior Design"The central research question is: What are the design criteria for barrier-free access to existing apartments that undergo adaptive reuse with a contemporary and target-group oriented approach? During the last decades, the society's age structure turned in Germany because of fewer birth rates and the rising number of retirees. Hence elderly have to rely on financial, health-promoting, and political support. Governmental departments, health insurances, and housing companies have to find new opportunities for those parties concerned. Though finding the right consultation services and getting the right information is an exhausting process. Besides financial or bureaucratic challenges elderly are facing more and more physical, sensory, and cognitive restrictions in their daily lives. According to their hindrances, barrier-free access to their living environments is insufficient. As a result, they have to move to another residence or district with a lack of social contacts and a familiar living environment. A minority even move into care homes because of limited apartments with barrier-free access. The development of new living concepts is indispensable for people with low hindrances who can live independently with small adaptations. Furthermore, the costs could be lower than the care in care homes. One approach can be keeping the elderly in their accustomed environment with an adapted design of the apartments, so-called 'Aging in place'. This document assists as a guideline, which measures could be used for refurbishment to a barrier-free living space in existing living environments adapted for the people concerned and their relatives. Though, it cannot cover all aspects of a redesigned living environment, such as the financial spectrum, the overall building environment, for instance, entrance facilities, or interdisciplinary concepts for the elderly. Accessibility is a term that is known as prevalently. The most common barrier-free measures in the interior are floor transitions without thresholds and bathroom supportive elements. The thesis examines such measures and approaches for adaptive use in other living environments and people with other hindrances. Additionally, the guideline includes contemporary barrier-free design methods that focus on materials and colors and might significantly influence the well-being and mental health of the inhabitants."Item Restricted An exploration of how the concept of third culture can inform interior design(2019) Shaban, Leila; Ebert, Carola; Pöğün-Zander, Yüksel; Faculty of Architecture and Design; Berlin International University of Applied Sciences"In the modern era of world of globalization, where different cultures constantly intertwine, merge and overlap, it becomes more difficult to define interior design of any space and to relate it to a particular culture. By understanding and defining what is the right concept for cross-culture adaptation, and by getting rid of stereotypes and prejudices towards a particular culture, new horizons for the field of interior design constantly arise. Positive inter-cultural dialogue eases the way of cultural adaptation processes to new environments. It provides opportunities for self-well-being and for healthy societies. Current cultural centers and platforms have been experimenting in building bridges between the cultures through different approaches by using different methods. Inter-cultural interaction on a daily basis is one of the methods that is proposed by Fred L. Casmir for a more coherent inter-cultural dialogue. Casmir believes that with the help of the inter-cultural interactions, the relationship between two different cultures or more can be developed and optimized into a third culture. This research uses Casmir's third culture theory (1978, 1997) as a framework to examine the interior design of cultural platforms. The purpose of this thesis is to explore the relationship between interior design and the third culture in order to enhance inter-cultural dialogue through the interior design experience. Through the case study of Matadero Madrid, which is a relevant example of the third culture house, relevant information was collected in order to answer the research questions. The result not only supports the idea that third culture theory has a major influence on the interior space, however also illustrates how interior design can create the third culture context and propose some design solutions that are contemporary and relevant to the modern-day world."Item Restricted Architectural acoustics for educational spaces : analysis and improvement proposal of the acoustic performances of Berlin International University studio rooms(2019) Martín, Javier; Starck, Adrian von; Faculty of Architecture and Design; Berlin International University of Applied Sciences"Our experience is completely influenced by the acoustics in a space. It is impacting on our behaviour, making us act accordingly to the situation. The impact of acoustics performance is especially relevant in educational spaces. "Clear examples of architectural spaces in which both aspects [final use and acoustics, ed.] should be taken into account are rooms dedicated to educational uses, such as classrooms, conference rooms, auditoriums, and so on". (Gómez Escobar and Barrigón Morillas 2015, 1) Therefore, exactly this will be the focus of this thesis: acoustics in educational spaces. [...] Three studios of Berlin International University will form the case study for this thesis. The acoustics of these three studios have been analysed. After realizing that the reverberation time was too long in all three studio rooms when measured by a basic method, the decision was made to measure the reverberation times more precisely and prove if and how it is possible to solve this problem. [...] Before diving into the practical research, secondary literature on the topic has been consulted. Of interest were especially articles about measuring the acoustical performance of multiple auditoria, as well as on the topic of optimizing the design of educational spaces design. (Gómez Escobar and Barrigón Morillas 2015, 1) After gathering this information, the main research of this thesis was conducted. This involved the measuring of the existing acoustics in each room, for instance the reverberation time, speech intelligibility and background-noise. [...] Thanks to the support of NTi company, tests have been conducted more precisely with a professional equipment in each studio, to find out that the overall acoustics situation was of a low level of performance and an improvement was needed for every room analysed. Those tests led to more precise and concrete results, helpful to understand the type and amount of acoustic material needed to solve the problems. From a wide range of absorbing materials, a tensile membrane has been chosen both for the high-level characteristics in terms of acoustic absorption and also for the flexibility of design. Using these tensile membranes, combined with aluminium structures, a design was made for every studio. The shape and position of the structures and tensile membranes, in each studio, is driven by the concept of the sound propagation. Finally, thanks to a software provided by the same company of the acoustic equipment, It has been possible to prove that the acoustic of the rooms, if complimented with the amount of absorbing materials decided, was good enough to satisfy the Standards ANSI S12.60-2008 and DIN 18041. These are the standards to be consulted when considering acoustics in educational spaces."Item Restricted Arthalle X : maker's market in Berlin : contemporizing historic Arminius Markthalle through reprogramming(2020) Angra, Spardha; Ebert, Carola; Pöğün-Zander, Yüksel; master's thesis in Interior Design"The history of markets in Berlin dates back to the 15th century, when it had only three weekly markets held every Tuesday. In order to address the expansion of Berlin, Industrial Revolution and to cater to a rapidly growing population of the city, more markets were built and by 1860s it had over twenty weekly markets held every Tuesday and Thursday, on the streets. Several problems like questionable hygiene conditions, chaos on streets, high demand prices and dependency on weather led the government to search for better alternatives to tackle the situation. In 1875, the magistrate established a permanent commission to build affordable design plans for fourteen municipal market halls. City building councillor Herman Blankenstein and architect August Lindemann were appointed to design these plans as the project took off in the 1880s. Market halls soon became successful gathering points for each neighborhood. However, due to fierce competition from supermarket chains and destruction during the Second World War, only a few of them survive today. This thesis focuses on one such market hall, Arminius Markthalle (Market Hall X). The rich history of art and culture in the city, as well as the establishment of market halls into historically designated landmarks further forms the layers of the thesis. The research is guided through data from Berlin's monumental preservation authorities, exclusive interviews with the owner of Arminius Markthalle, as well as surveys conducted for artists residing in the city. The design project would be a direct reflection of learnings from the research and offer a plausible solution to the pertinent research question. The design project is an attempt to make this historic landmark culturally relevant today. It intends to adaptively reuse and rejuvenate an existing, preserved building through strategically reprogramming its functions into a Makers' Market. This conceptualized typology of a market creates an inclusive public place and integrates the design functions within, to support local art and artists. This structurally preserved market hall, that spans across an entire city block, turns into a flourishing indoor Makers' Market where artists from different fields of design come together to work, showcase and collaborate. It also provides an opportunity for the city, its tourists, and creative organizations to discover up-and-coming brands."Item Restricted Below the line advertising in the telecommunications industry : analysis for the case of Germany(2020) Talha Altaf, Muhammad; Behar Villegas, Erick; Mantel, Peter; bachelor thesis in Business Administration"This study is conducted with the aim of finding, understanding and analyzing the relationship between below the line advertising and consumer purchase intention in the telecommunication industry in Germany. The study also describes the relationship between above the line advertising and below the line advertising and how the latter has started to become a more profitable and efficient option. Due to the fact that below the line advertising includes many different promotional activities, this study only focuses on the three main branches, i.e. Billboards, Sponsorships and Sales Promotion. The study was carried with the help of the primary data collection which was obtained by the use of questionnaire answers and also with the help of secondary data obtained from different sources. The connection between the said below the line advertising activities and consumer purchase intention in the telecom industry was then analyzed and the results identified how significant sponsorships and sales promotions are in altering a customer's purchase intention in the telecom industry, meanwhile, billboards did not prove to be as effective. The study cannot be considered as the only answer to the question due to the limitations faced. Different factors such as the different localities and norms of the respondents, limited access to information and other external factors can have different implications on the findings of the study."Item Restricted Biophilic design as an approach to improve the employees' health and wellbeing in an open-space office(2019) Larsen, Sigurd; Starck, Adrian von; Faculty of Architecture and Design; Berlin International University of Applied Sciences"The occurrence of illnesses like asthma or allergies is constantly increasing and a main factor for that has already been found to relate to the environments we are living and working in. Building materials, finishes and even decoration used often emit toxic pollutants because they are not tested properly, which greatly affects our health (Healthy Interiors 2012). Especially in big open-plan offices lots of illnesses and difficulties in concentration occur due to the bad air quality, the lack of thermal comfort, noise pollution and an unpleasant lighting situation. [...] Health and 'being green', so to say, has become a trend on a daily life basis and people start to think of how to improve their wellbeing. [...] With this they slowly start to consider also the environments they are living in and healthy and sustainable interiors gain importance. [...] Biophilia is our love to the nature and the living and our wish to support its growth. The mentioned methods include environmental features such as color, air, sunlight, natural materials and plants, natural shapes and forms, natural patterns and processes, the relation of light and space, place-based relationships and evolved human-nature relationships."Item Restricted Building an online platform : selling German second-hand automobiles to developing countries : the case of Afghanistan(2019) Safar Zada, Ali Yaser; Lieb, Manfred G; Mantel, Peter; Faculty of Business Administration; Berlin International University of Applied Sciences"This research paper analyzes the business opportunity of building an online platform for selling German second-hand automobiles to Afghanistan. The study investigates the demand for German automobiles in Afghanistan, automobile importers' obstacles, usage of online platforms among sellers and importers, obstacles for building such an online platform, and payment method needed for the online platform. The data analyzed shows that there is a business opportunity because the demand for German automobiles is in a considerable number in Afghanistan market, and the importers have main obstacles for importing automobiles from Germany. Only 10% of adults in Afghanistan have bank accounts, and two-thirds of enterprises use the banking system on their daily business money transactions. However, the online platform for selling German second-hand automobiles can be built by offering transportation and payment services. The platform owner can open a bank account in Afghanistan for receiving money from the customers, and then transfer it to the seller. This online platform will have a competitive advantage in the market because it delivers the automobiles faster than the typical import companies."Item Restricted Choreography of transitional space : architectural design beyond functionality(2020) Janßen, Lena Maria; Larsen, Sigurd; Schroeder, Süheyla; bachelor thesis in Interior Design"[T]he expression of the built space needs to be designed with regard to the way we perceive it, that is the possible movements and activities we perform inside of it. Taking on the embodied perspective of a dancer or choreographer, thinking through the body, can open new pathways and spatial possibilities that might not otherwise be accessible to an architect, but play a crucial role in creating the mental experience a space affords us. The importance of choreographed movements is most directly illustrated within transitional spaces that serve to direct, guide and facilitate motion. Transitional spaces guide us from one spatial realm to another; both physically and mentally. They live in the sequence of what lies in the past, present, and future. This means: transitional spaces also live in the expectation of what is to come. They always seem to be inflected toward something more important beyond itself (Boettger 2014). Therefore they play an important in role in any meaning we associate with an architectural structure. [...] the purpose of this study is to explore how architects can take cues from choreography to create transitional spaces beyond functionality. It illustrates the relevance of choreography to our built environment and identifies how architectural space enacts and transforms meaning in order to transcend its function. [...] The first part of this paper draws on existing theories and methods in order to establish a theoretical framework for exploring the architectural tools of choreography that create meaning in transitional spaces. It defines transitional space, choreography and meaning as the key concepts of this research and clarifies the relationship among them. In doing so, it points out why choreography is relevant to our built environment and especially to the architectural design of transitional spaces. Furthermore, it demonstrates how architectural choreography creates movement sequences and offers insights into the ways that these build up to a meaningful spatial experience. The second part of this thesis continues by following a case-study approach, performing an in-depth analysis of four different transitional spaces with regard to their lines of movement. All were selected as case studies on the basis of their differing architectural typology and perceptual conditions. The analysis examines how the tools of architectural choreography contribute to meaning creation both within different contexts and on a practical level. After carrying out a comparative analysis that illustrates similarities and differences between the project sites, this paper concludes by presenting its overall findings. It outlines the potential possibilities and limits of choreography as a tool to create architectural design beyond functionality."Item Restricted Cluster apartments in Berlin as a future living model(2020) Ulm, Ashley; Larsen, Sigurd; Pöğün-Zander, Yüksel; bachelor thesis in Interior Design"Berlin is attractive for its career and study opportunities, many green spaces, mobility, leisure, and cultural facilities. The majority of Germany's citizens still want to live in the city. However, living space capacities are becoming rare and rent prices are increasing. The fact that merely 15.6% of Berliners own a condominium reveals that only a small population can afford property (Investitionsbank Berlin, 2019). The housing market has hardly adapted to demographic changes in recent years, including an aging society and a shift away from the nuclear family household structure. Most of Berlin's inhabitants live on their own. Of a total of 2,026,300 households in Berlin, there are 1,0719,12 single-occupant households (Investitionsbank Berlin, 2019). Due to the lack of alternative housing forms and the desire to design something according to individual ideas, initiative projects evolved. These projects were mostly realized in cooperatives. Group-initiatives develop personal responsibilities and identification with the place. Building communities often accept collective liability for spaces beyond their individual living spaces. This creates lively neighbourhoods that can offer new opportunities to all residents (Ring, 2013). A good example is cluster apartments. This special form of housing could be considered as a housing concept for Berlin. A cluster apartment is an assembly of living units in a communal flat. It combines the advantages of private living with those of a shared accommodation Wohngemeinschaft (WG). These flats consist of several private residential units with one or more rooms, including a private bathroom and optionally a kitchenette. Additional communal areas consist of one or more living areas, cooking and dining areas, and bathroom as well as guest rooms for flexible usage. Each cluster apartment is an experiment in terms of planning, organizing, and building. The current projects are testing alternative approaches and transforming living models, experiences future projects can profit from. However, as these projects are at an early stage of development, there is little long-term experience and little evaluating research at this time (Prytula et al., 2019). Therefore, it is the aim of this bachelor's thesis to investigate how cluster apartments correspond to the current and future economic and ecological needs of Berlin's inhabitants. Beyond that, this thesis will examine how the interiors of cluster apartment spaces can be designed both conceptually and spatially to contribute quality living spaces in Berlin."Item Restricted Communal living : a contemporary adaptation of Berlin's 'Gründerzeit' buildings in the 21st century(2020) Martín, Javier; Pöğün-Zander, Yüksel; bachelor thesis in Interior Design"With the beginning of the 21st century, Berlin and many other industrial capitals are experiencing growing interests in alternative living models, such as co-living. [...] While a number of innovative pioneer projects have been arising within various cities over the past decades, the main housing markets are only adapting slowly towards these paradigm shifts. As a result, a severe lack of contemporary adaptation within residential architecture is experienced today and urban housing structures lack spaces in which residents can come together, share their daily lives and resources with each other (Kries et al. 2017, 41). [...] With about one quarter (27%) of Berlin's population living in tenement buildings, built before 1918 (Berlin.de 2011), a main challenge and at the same time of great impact, would be a contemporary adaptation of old domestic tenement buildings within the city. The appearance and urban life of Germany's capital is shaped by tenement buildings from the Gründerzeit era, erected during the time of the industrialization. They hold great cultural and historic values for the city and its residents and offer various spatial qualities that are no longer to be found within new rise buildings. However, with major changes occurring in our modern living models, these building structures with its emergence of around one hundred years ago, do not fully meet contemporary needs any more and lack spaces in which residents can come together, allowing them to be part of a community. Through a qualitative and contemporary adaptation of such buildings, the values of their old construction and their inimitable charm could be preserved and at the same time constructive living solutions for the contemporary urban lifestyle could be created. This thesis therefore aims with its research, to investigate the development and relevance of co-living in the 21st century, in order to understand contemporary needs of urban societies. It furthers seeks to find qualitative solutions for the implementation of communal spaces into Berlin's existing Gründerzeit tenement buildings, with the aim to make use of a widely available resource. This practice intents to create high qualitative urban living spaces that meet society's demands for community life and which simultaneously promotes the differing lifestyles and needs of today's society."Item Restricted Communal spaces in the German countryside : encouraging social interaction by means of interior architecture(2019) Poppe, Dominik Alexius; Larsen, Sigurd; Martín, Javier; Faculty of Architecture and Design; Berlin International University of Applied Sciences"The aim of the research is to investigate what rural communal spaces in the German countryside are and how they can be designed both conceptually and spatially. Therefore, the following research questions emerged: 1. What are communal spaces in rural Germany? 2. How can the interiors of such spaces be designed both conceptually and spatially in order to encourage social interaction of an existing community? [...] In order to find an answer to the formulated research questions, rural communal spaces as such have to be defined. It will be followed by the investigation of their historical and social development of communal spaces in Germany and their relevance for the village or municipality they are located in. The review of literature will provide profound insight and understanding of these aspects of historical and social significance. As part of the research, the selection of three case studies of existing communal spaces will be presented. They will be introduced and analysed on the parameters of facilities, design and reaction of the public. Findings will be summarised after each chapter that will eventually provide the required knowledge to answer the research questions listed in 2.1."Item Restricted Conserving by retrofitting : integration of sustainable energies to a heritage preserved building in Potsdam, Germany(2018) Benedikt, Ines; Martín, Javier; Topcu, Hicran; Faculty of Architecture and Design; Berlin International University of Applied Sciences"Rapid global warming and climate change are two main problems today's generation is facing. A significant contributor to those developments is the building stock, which represents approximately 40% of energy consumption and 36% of greenhouse gas emissions in the EU. While only a few existing buildings are modernized each year, almost three-quarters are presently energy inefficient. Renovating the old building stock towards sustainable energy goals would therefore significantly benefit the energy savings. These energy improvements are desirable, but not always possible without compromises, especially when approaching heritage preserved architecture.[2] Implementing energy efficient measures to these precious buildings can create physical implications that may arise as a conservational issue. In some cases, aesthetic alterations require review and approval by the corresponding official authorities, which usually implies long and tedious administrative work. In other cases, missing conservation guidelines and regulations can lead to high damage of this heritage. For this reason, the research aims to find proper aesthetical solutions that fuse both, sustainable energy interventions and architectural heritage conservation. This thesis examines the importance and characteristics of conservation, focusing on residential architecture in Europe. By analysing four essential retrofitting techniques within the context of preservation, this thesis addresses the application of solar panels in historic buildings. It provides insight into installation principles, and the proposed conclusion offers a design solution as part of the integrated case study of a heritage preserved Villa in Potsdam, Germany."