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Birch Plywood Techno Booths with Concrete Surfaces in Berlin's Creative Hub

Authors:
Aixuan Li, Xuanzi Chen, Yiwen Wu, Jiawei Fu
Birch Plywood Techno Booths with Concrete Surfaces in Berlin's Creative Hub
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Constructed with birch plywood and concrete surfaces, the flexible booths in Kreuzberg seamlessly shift from a daytime records shop to a nighttime techno performance space, enhancing community interaction within Berlin’s vibrant cultural scene.
5 key facts about this project
01
Flexible booths transform from a daytime records shop to a nighttime techno performance space.
02
Located at Oberbaumbrücke, a cultural landmark in Berlin's Kreuzberg district.
03
Constructed with birch plywood and concrete, ensuring durability and functionality.
04
Bluetooth connectivity allows users to stream music directly from their devices.
05
Booth surfaces are designed for graffiti and artistic expression, encouraging community involvement.

Berlin AM:PM is situated in Kreuzberg at the Oberbaumbrücke Bridge, reflecting the rich cultural atmosphere of the city. The design combines two main functions: a records shop during the day and a techno booth at night. This duality captures the spirit of Berlin's music scene while adapting to changing social needs. By focusing on flexibility, the design promotes community involvement and artistic expression in an urban setting.

Functionality

The booths serve distinct purposes throughout the day. During daylight hours, they function as retail spaces where visitors can purchase CDs and merchandise from local artists. This aspect fosters a connection between the community and its creative economy. As night falls, the booths shift to become individual techno spaces, allowing DJs to perform while ensuring social distancing. This transformation showcases the design's ability to meet various user needs in one installation.

Materials

Material selection is an important aspect of the design, supporting both durability and function. 1/8" concrete paint provides a robust surface, while 1/8" veneer birch plywood and 3/4" flexible plywood contribute structural stability and modularity. The use of a 1" MDF panel and a 3/8" DJ turntable panel enhances user interaction with the booths. Transparent phenolic is used for wall-mounted speakers, creating a cohesive yet functional design that also considers the auditory experience.

Technology Integration

Each booth features Bluetooth connectivity, allowing users to stream music directly from their devices. This technological integration encourages active participation, turning listeners into engaged audience members. This modern feature reflects current trends in architectural design, where interaction between users and the environment plays a key role.

Visual Aesthetics

The visual aspect of Berlin AM:PM draws from the surrounding urban environment. Booth surfaces provide opportunities for local artists to showcase graffiti and other artistic contributions. This element keeps the design lively and relevant, capturing the ever-changing character of Berlin. The approach balances functionality with visual appeal, creating a practical installation that enhances its urban setting.

Berlin AM:PM offers an inventive take on community engagement, using flexible structures and accessible forms of expression. The design emphasizes the importance of music and artistry in public spaces, enriching the cultural narrative of the area.

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Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

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The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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