From Modernism to Social Disconnection: Reactivate the Voids to Bridge the Community Disconnection in Berlin’s Largescale Housing estate (Großwohnsiedlung)

Abstract

In the aftermath of World War II, Berlin faced an acute housing shortage that led to the rapid development of Großwohnsiedlungen—large-scale modernist housing estates designed to provide light, air, greenery, and improved living conditions. Initially conceived as utopian models of collective life, these estates gradually became associated with social isolation and spatial fragmentation. This thesis explores how the neglected voids between these housing blocks can be reactivated as catalysts for community interaction and social connection. Rather than focusing on the architectural objects themselves, the research emphasizes the in-between spaces—the voids—as potential arenas for social renewal. Through theoretical reflection, field analysis, and participatory surveys conducted in Märkisches Viertel, Gropiusstadt, and Hohenschönhausen, the study proposes design strategies that prioritize adaptability, flexibility, and community involvement. By integrating participatory design principles and emphasizing the temporal evolution of space, the thesis argues for a shift from static master planning toward an open-ended architectural process co-created with residents. The findings demonstrate that reimagining voids not as residual grounds but as active social fields can restore a sense of belonging, diversity, and democratic engagement within Berlin’s large-scale housing estates. Ultimately, the reactivation of voids is presented as both a spatial and social project—an approach that reconnects architecture with everyday life and redefines the role of design in shaping inclusive urban futures.