P006 → Vertical Berlin 2024

The following project is my graduation project from the Aarhus School of Architecture. The project focuses on the transformation of a parking garage in Kreuzberg, Berlin, into an urban farming center. The project is based on an existing building that was constructed in the 1960s but has been unused since 2017. Instead of demolishing the building, I propose a radical transformation that will preserve and reuse the structure. The goal is to create a new identity for the parking garage that aligns with the needs of modern society and the car-free future that Berlin is aiming for.

The project centers on converting the parking garage into a vertical farm where vegetables are grown in a controlled environment. Vertical farming is a sustainable agricultural method that uses 95% less water and emits 92% less CO2 compared to traditional farming. This method will not only produce fresh food locally but also reduce the need for long-distance transportation, which is crucial in a car-free city. The building will also include educational facilities, a supermarket, and a café to strengthen the local community and promote health and togetherness.

Kreuzberg is the perfect location for such a project due to the neighborhood’s social and cultural diversity. The area is characterized by creative and alternative ideas, making it an ideal environment for sustainable initiatives like urban farming. Additionally, there is a growing need for local shopping options, especially after the closure of several supermarkets in the area. The project will meet these needs by providing fresh, locally grown food while also creating new jobs and educational opportunities.

By preserving and transforming the existing parking garage, a sustainable solution is created that considers both environmental and social factors. The project aims to restore the building's relevance in a modern context and ensure that it remains an important part of the neighborhood’s identity and collective memory.

For more info: https://afgang.aarch.dk/2024/student/frederik-wulf-munk/