Diagnose 1968–2018

The opening of TU Berlin’s Institute of Architecture in 1968 coincided with a period of productive unrest. While the building designed by the architects Hermkes and Scharoun projected self-confidence to the public, increasing discontent simmered within the building. During the Berlin Building Weeks (Berliner Bauwochen), students, graduates, and assistants (organised as ‘Aktion 507’) initiated a movement of reform and revolt, culminating in a counter-exhibition called ‘Diagnose’. This exhibition critiqued Berlin’s construction activities and the demolition and housing policies endorsed by architects. Simultaneously, student groups began engaging in community work to create a critical public and involve those affected in planning. Consequently, the Diagnose manifesto and flyer, which outlined demands for the radical restructuring of architectural education were published, many of which were later implemented in study reforms.

The Design Studio took the 50th anniversary of ‘Diagnose 1968’ as an opportunity to question the relevance of critical research, pedagogy, and design practice today. Reflecting on the analytical methods of Diagnose 1968, these were applied to contemporary architectural production in Berlin, focusing on two transformation areas—Kreuzberg SO 36 and the Europaquartier near Berlin’s main station. The studio developed a critical analysis of the production of architecture, city, and space as part of the political and economic dynamics of a city characterised by neoliberalism, financialisation, and resistance. The design studio was conducted in dialogue with parallel investigations by students at TU Darmstadt. The results contributed to an exhibition as part of the conference ‘Diagnose 1968-2018’ at TU Berlin in December 2018.