Bolun Hua

This project aims to create a space dedicated to the animate non-human beings near Tiergarten area. Situating within the south axis of Tiergarten, an undeveloped green space located in a political charged site among foreign embassies becomes a home for the animates in Berlin. Adapting the concept of Bruno Latour’s Actors Networks Theory, an embassy for the non-human beings is proposed to empower the voiceless with the same right of human beings and make a change. This embassy invites small mammals, birds, insects as well as vegetations into the Lützowplatz-Parkfor sanctuary and habitation while botanists and zoologist work on site offer support and monitor their activities. A nature-dominated landscape is interwoven within the urban tapestry of Berlin which blurs the boundary of ‘building’ and ‘park’, a hybrid networks for the non-human animate and humans to interact with. The bird observation tower in the north demonstrates a close relationship between the site and the landwehr canal, providing habitats for waterfowl and offering nesting spaces at various heights. In the west, the greenhouse doubles as a research lab, housing vertical ecology systems and climate refuge vegetation. Surface water pipes, commonly found in Berlin, supply water for these ecosystems, ensuring sustainability and resilience. The coexist residence aims to achieve equality between non-human and human inhabitants featuring spacious sheltered areas and compact living spaces for human. Haha walls are implemented to minimize human disturbance. The trajectory of this project would span 20 years, envisioning the establishment of similar embassies for different ecosystems across Germany. This interconnected network aims to foster biodiversity and create a thriving environment for a wide range of species. By embracing the principles of inclusivity and sustainability, this architectural design project seeks to redefine the relationship between urban environments and the natural world, offering a beacon of hope for coexistence and ecological harmony in the heart of Berlin.