Urban Pop-Ups: Tactical Experiments in Berlin

Design, Build, Engage

This 10 day Design Connects workshop explores tactical urbanism through the design and prototyping of pop up, ephemeral architectural interventions within a shared public space in Berlin. Participants will work on a common site, each selecting a specific micro area to develop a temporary architectural prototype that responds to real community needs. Guided by a clear scientific and design framework, the workshop integrates site analysis, participatory engagement, sustainable material strategies, and reversible construction methods. The workshop addresses emerging trends in contemporary architecture, including temporary and adaptable design, low impact construction, community driven processes, and sustainability oriented material thinking. Through hands on experimentation, students will learn how architecture can act as a fast, flexible, and socially responsive tool rather than a permanent object. Academically, the workshop bridges theory and practice by translating research based frameworks into built prototypes. Professionally, it equips participants with skills increasingly demanded in urban practice, such as rapid prototyping, participatory design, and design build workflows. The workshop's competitive yet collaborative structure encourages creativity while remaining accessible to architecture students at different skill levels. The final outcome consists of physical models and visualization panels presented during a closing ceremony, making the workshop both educational and publicly engaging.