Backstage - Bürgerbühne Schöneweide

Abstract

This thesis explores how scenography “the art of shaping space”, atmosphere and narrative can be used as a tool in interior architecture. The focus is on the transformation of enclosed interiors into public participatory spaces. It’s espe- cially about turning these underused empty buildings in the city into “stages” for social interaction. The public is supposed to not just be the audience but more over becoming an active participant in shaping urban life. Drawing from theories in Scenography, urban planning, and interior architecture to analyze the effects of scenography on human interaction, atmosphere and narratives. Through the analysis of case studies and on-site observations in Berlin, the thesis identifies essential scenographic strategies. These are used to inform a final design proposal – Backstage Bürgerbühne Schöneweide – a reactivation of a former factory, an interior made public with the means of performance and Scenography for shared experience and public expression.