Motives and Objectives of our Work

What moves us…

In which kind of environment and future do we want to live?
Our work is characterized by the consideration of social, ecological, and economical sustainability, as far as they affect the design of space and construction. Variety and functional density are central concerns for us, as well as spaces which inspire people and invite interaction. In contrast to the virtual world, interaction is experienced physically within built spaces, in all its senses.

Social Networks and Buildings/Construction for the Community

Only together can we find positive answers to the challenges and opportunities of our time: the threat to the environment, globalization and acceleration of migration, media networking, information/communication overload with its potential for less actual human interaction, as well as demographic developments which
endanger existing social security systems. We wish to promote understanding and exchange through the construction of spaces for cultural exchange and dialogue, as in the Center for Peace and Understanding, the Center for Meditation and Meeting, in community rooms in the Network of Integrated Living, and in the Owner/Investor Group Project “Southwest Sun”.

Places of Meeting and Knowledge Exchange

Our commitment to architecture is gleaned from the dream of living in a constructive and tolerant community, through which mutual understanding promotes the development of the potential and creativity of every individual. Central to our interests are exterior and interior spaces that invite communication and interaction, as well as places of knowledge exchange on an informal level. These include public spaces from working life to the private
living realm.

Diversity

A society is enriched by its diversity and complexity, as well as by the views and insight of individuals. In this multicultural society, we would like the opportunity to work on projects that support immigrants and foster understanding among people.
This conviction of ours is also reflected in the diversity of forms and materials of our architecture, as well as the variety and individuality of our floor plans within buildings. Our office’s diverse impulses and viewpoints is owed to the work of our international team of colleagues.

Resourceful and Energy-efficient Construction

Out of concern for the possible dramatic climate changes and the threat of violent conflict over natural resources, we feel it is our duty in our modest way, to contribute to a more careful use of these resources in the area of design and construction. Energy efficient construction and careful workmanship of biodegradable and harmless construction materials results directly in the health of the user and can decrease long-term operating costs. We attach great importance on the re-use of existing construction materials as well as the conversion and reconstruction of existing buildings and monuments, which offers much potential for sustainable construction.

Functional Density, Relaxation, Excitement/Tension, and Balance

Creative and constructive interaction requires a balance between adequate spaces for relaxation and peace, retreat and contemplation.
With both urban planning and within individual buildings, a functional density is required which enables the correct stress ratio between distance and proximity, contact and interaction, as well as privacy and security.

Sensuality…Form, Material, and Color

In the selection of formal vocabulary, details, and materials, we respond to the specific needs of our clients and the subsequent users of the spaces. The exact analysis of the asset and the surroundings, and the conscientious handling of materials, including the sensibility of their surface, color, and composition, influences every design.

Feng Shui and Geomancy

In some of our projects ideas from Feng Shui and Geomancy also considered.

Process-oriented Planning and Construction

Because we like, as much as possible, to align our design ideas to the needs of our clients, we are appreciative if we can formulate our construction and planning process with intense dialogue with our clients, including with client cooperatives.

Delight in Creative Teamwork

With the conviction that the creation process itself influences the result, we lay great importance on working together early and with courteous respect among all project partners, specialized consultants, construction firms and tradespeople.

Summary

If our (co-)designed spaces encourage one to feel creative, to seek out new experiences and directions; to interaction, communication, security, peace, relaxation, sensuality, and naturalness, then we have reached our goal as architects. To meet all of the challenges, the interaction of many factors is needed. The design of spaces and architecture alone can’t master this, but it can give strong impetus. We are satisfied if our work contributes to positive change.

Infos

Literature & Inspiration

  • “The Image of the City”, Kevyn Lynch
  • “Building the Unfinished”, Lars Lerup
  • “A pattern language”, Christopher Alexander
  • “Analog und Digital”, Otl Aicher
  • “Lessons for Students in Architecture”, Herman Hertzberger
  • “In Praise of Shadows”, Junichiro Tanizaki

an inconvenient truth , Al Gore
Vita activa , Hannah Ahrendt

Resource-saving Building

  • CO2-Reduction
  • Building Biology
  • Recycling
  • Rainwateruse

Public Space, Impulses

Mauerpark Berlin
Nachbarschaftsgärten
Zwischennutzungen
transition town

Protection of Nature

bird breeding homes
Insecthotels

  • Buddha-Bees 2007 resettlement, of a rare species of bees living in Bodhicharyas old brickwalls …

Climatic change

global warming
Ecobuddhism
Umweltschutz im Himalaya
desert-greening

  • 108 things to do