arthalle x
2020 | berlin, germany
master thesis, MA interior design
The history of markets in Berlin dates back to the 15th century, when it had only three weekly markets held every Tuesday. In order to address the expansion of Berlin, more markets were built and by 1860s it had over twenty weekly markets held every Tuesday and Thursday, on the streets. Several problems like questionable hygiene conditions, chaos on streets, high demand prices and dependency on weather led the government to search for better alternatives to tackle the situation. In 1875, the magistrate established a permanent commission to build fourteen municipal market halls and the project took off in the 1880s. Market halls soon became successful gathering points for each neighborhood. However, due to competition from supermarket chains and destruction during the WW II, only a few of them survive today. This thesis focuses on one such market hall, Arminius Markthalle (Market Hall X). The rich history of art and culture in Berlin, and the establishment of these halls into historically designated landmarks forms the layers of the thesis. The research is guided through data from Berlin’s monumental preservation authorities, interviews with the owner of Markthalle, and surveys conducted for artists residing in the city. The design project is an attempt to make this historic landmark, culturally relevant today through adaptively reuse: reprogramming its functions into a Makers’ Market. This conceptualized typology of a market creates an inclusive public place and integrates design functions within, to support local art and artists. This structurally-preserved hall, turns into a flourishing indoor Makers’ Market where artists from different fields of design come together to work, showcase and collaborate. It also provides an opportunity for the city, its tourists and creative organizations to discover up-and-coming brands.