Denizen presented a fresh take on the "Third Place" concept, catering to the needs of both businesses and local residents seeking essential services and a welcoming community atmosphere. Operating as an inclusive "members club for non-members," the vision for Denizen Eiswerk included creating a campus service centre that seamlessly blended elements of a café, convenience store, concierge service, and meeting lounge.

 

At the heart of the main community area, facing the street, we envisioned a space that balanced contemporary style with the cosy charm of Kreuzberg's vintage-furnished living rooms. Inspired by modernist architectural principles, we incorporated subtle touches like wooden panelling to add warmth and familiarity to the otherwise raw concrete space.

 

The main room was an industrial-looking space, with walls finished in raw concrete and exposed pipes and cables on the ceiling. Instead of using drywalls to conceal these elements, we embraced their raw aesthetic and complemented them with Japanese-inspired cherry wood panelling around some of the visible pipes. The atmosphere paid homage to mid-century office and hotel lobby settings. Iconic Eames chairs were paired with bespoke tables and the clean and rational Artek Kiki sofa, creating a welcoming and timeless environment.

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Photography: Mathilde Karrèr
Project team: Marick Baars,  Magdalena Gordziewicz, Hazel Neithercut, Marielle Kiessig, André Lopes

 

Year of completion: 2022

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