In Search for Resonance in Architecture: Observations in Kreuzkölln

This study explores the concept of resonance in architecture by examining public life on Admiralbrücke, a vibrant and multifaceted location in Kreuzkölln, Berlin. The primary objective is to understand how people use, relate to, experience, and interact with their urban environment. It seeks to uncover why certain locations within a city become places that attract, inspire, and encourage activity and vibrancy, creating an atmosphere full of life. This research asserts that the qualities of both place and architecture extend beyond mere functionality and must be carefully analyzed. Through systematic observation of the physical environment and human interactions, the study is grounded in newly collected empirical data. Drawing on Rosa’s (2016), theory of resonance it examines how the human instinct to create, organize, and shape the built environment fosters meaningful relationships with public space. The study highlights activities, traces of activity, and creative engagement within the public space of Admiralbrücke, analyzing their relationship to the bridge’s architectural design and urban context. It suggests that the desire to express life and experience resonance in public space can be translated into actionable knowledge for urban planning and design. Ultimately, the research aims to expand the discourse on resonance in architecture, exploring how it functions and how it can inform alternative approaches to urban planning and design beyond mere functionality.