Interview about The Afterlife Cultural Space, winner of the A' Cultural Heritage and Culture Industry Design Award 2024
The transformation of the former Cold War bunker into the Peace Center is characterized by a harmonious blend of practicality and symbolism. By incorporating translucent materials and strategic lighting, the space promotes transparency and accessibility, which are essential for peace-building efforts. The combination of historical elements and contemporary design features establishes an environment conducive to introspection and dialogue, signifying a forward-looking shift from a symbol of conflict to a beacon of optimism.
View detailed images, specifications, and award details on A' Design Award & Competition website.
View Design DetailsThe transformation of the Cold War bunker into The Afterlife Cultural Space was a deeply emotional and inspiring journey. The very nature of the structure, built to endure and to serve a very different, more divisive purpose, made it impossible to simply erase. Its permanence, however, offered an intriguing opportunity—one that spoke to the power of reinvention and reconciliation.After the fall of the wall, this bunker became a symbol of curiosity and possibility. Its intimidating, conflict-laden history couldn’t be undone, but it could be reimagined. The idea of repurposing it into a cultural space that celebrates creativity, connection, and peace felt both exciting and deeply meaningful. This project allowed us to breathe new life into a place that once symbolized separation, turning it into something that stands for unity and the enduring human spirit. It’s a testament to how, even in the face of history’s darkest moments, we can create something beautiful and transformative.
Our approach to integrating translucent materials, strategic lighting, and mirrored facades into The Afterlife Cultural Space was deeply symbolic and deliberate. We sought to create an environment that stood as the antithesis of the original structure—transforming its heavy, impenetrable nature into something light, open, and reflective.The mirrored facade was particularly pivotal in this transformation. It was designed to ‘dematerialize’ the structure visually, blending it into its surroundings and symbolically breaking it apart into thousands of reflections. This effect softened the imposing nature of the bunker, allowing it to almost vanish into the landscape, representing a departure from its historical weight.Combined with translucent materials and thoughtful lighting, this interplay of light, reflection, and shadow preserved the bunker’s historical authenticity while crafting a contemporary narrative. It turned a symbol of division into a space of connection, embodying the journey from conflict to reconciliation.
The kinetic facade of The Afterlife Cultural Space is a powerful embodiment of our vision of peace and transformation. Composed of pixelated mirrors that respond to the wind, the facade is in constant motion, creating a mesmerizing choreography of light and reflection. This dynamic quality transforms the structure from something static and immovable into a living, breathing entity.The continuous movement of the mirrors, driven by the natural force of the wind, became a symbol of ‘the wind of change.’ It reflects the ever-evolving nature of society and the possibility of renewal, even for something as seemingly unchangeable as a Cold War bunker. This kinetic element not only adds a sense of vitality and lightness but also invites viewers to see the structure—and by extension, history—through a lens of possibility and hope. It is a celebration of transformation, a visual narrative of progress, and a poetic reminder that change is both inevitable and beautiful.
The decision to incorporate the Ginkgo Biloba tree atop The Afterlife Cultural Space’s glass pavilion was a profoundly symbolic and emotional choice, representing the final chapter in the project’s transformation. Known as the only species to survive the Hiroshima atomic bomb, the Ginkgo embodies resilience and hope, making it the perfect emblem for a structure once defined by conflict. Its placement atop the translucent pavilion bridges the past and future, symbolizing the journey from destruction to renewal. As a living witness to history, the Ginkgo inspires reflection on humanity’s capacity to heal and grow, softening the architectural design while uniting nature and built environments. This choice not only completes the narrative of transformation but also offers a powerful reminder that even the most somber spaces can give rise to beauty and endurance.
The visitor journey through The Afterlife Cultural Space was carefully designed to lead guests through an emotional progression, symbolizing the transformation from darkness to light. It begins in the Memory Void, where the heavy history of the Berlin Wall is palpable, immersing visitors in the pain and division of the past. They then move to the Memory of the Fallen Ones, a solemn tribute to those impacted, fostering reflection and respect. Next, they encounter the Peace Center, a transitional space symbolizing dialogue, reconciliation, and the possibility of unity. Finally, visitors arrive at the Luminous Lantern, a radiant, light-filled space that represents renewal and hope. Crowned by the Ginkgo Biloba tree, it signifies resilience and the promise of a brighter future, completing a journey of profound transformation.
The transformation of Bunker 17/5001 into The Afterlife Cultural Space was a deeply collaborative effort, shaped by the invaluable contributions of historians, architects, and local stakeholders. Working closely with Hans Hansel, the lead responsible for the bunker, I gained profound insight into its history and emotional resonance. His firsthand accounts of the Cold War era and the bunker’s symbolic weight were pivotal in shaping my vision, inspiring me to transform it into a space that stands for the opposite of its original purpose.Historians provided crucial context, helping to preserve the authenticity of the site while enabling its reimagination as a place of reflection and hope. Architects contributed innovative ideas, such as the kinetic facade and the integration of light and open spaces, to embody transformation and renewal. Local stakeholders brought a community perspective, ensuring the design resonated with those most connected to the site’s legacy. This collective effort allowed us to honor history while crafting a powerful symbol of reconciliation and renewal.
The dimensional constraints of the original bunker shaped the design of The Afterlife Cultural Space by turning challenges into opportunities. The monumental scale and oppressive weight of the structure were preserved to evoke feelings of smallness and confinement, immersing visitors in the historical reality of the bunker. In response, my intervention was deliberately the opposite—light, open, and fluid. This contrast is most evident in the Peace Center, where translucent materials and strategic lighting create a sense of expansion and hope. The constraints inspired innovative solutions, transforming the bunker into a powerful journey from heaviness to lightness, conflict to reconciliation.
The Bronze A’ Design Award recognition for The Afterlife Cultural Space highlights its potential to serve as a blueprint for reimagining historical military structures. These remnants of conflict, especially from WWI and WWII, present a unique challenge: they are immovable, steeped in history, and often carry emotional weight. The question becomes, do we bury them, transform them—or leave them untouched? We certainly can’t destroy them.Architecture has always been about adaptation and repurposing, and this project demonstrates the value of transformation. By turning a symbol of division into a space for reflection, dialogue, and renewal, The Afterlife Cultural Space showcases how these structures can transcend their origins, contribute meaningfully to cultural heritage, and inspire future approaches to adaptive reuse.
The Afterlife Cultural Space fosters meaningful interactions and conversations about peace through its carefully designed elements. Fluid spaces and abundant natural light create an open, welcoming atmosphere, encouraging reflection and connection. Exhibition areas showcase narratives of resilience and hope, while conference rooms provide a platform for dialogue and discussion. Dedicated spaces for artists allow creative expression to inspire new perspectives, and the surrounding gardens offer a serene environment for contemplation and informal conversations. Together, these elements transform the space into a vibrant symbol of reconciliation and cultural exchange.
The research process behind The Afterlife Cultural Space integrated historical, architectural, and sociocultural dimensions, each informing and shaping the project’s design. These factors are deeply intertwined—architecture cannot exist in isolation from its context. Every decision, from preserving the raw, monumental essence of the bunker to introducing light-filled, open spaces, was a response to this multifaceted research. By honoring the structure’s history while addressing its sociocultural impact, each intervention became a product of these interconnected influences, balancing preservation with transformation to create a meaningful, reflective space.
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