Aedes – Architecture and Space is a non-profit cultural institution in Berlin. Founded in 1980, it presents a continuous public programme exploring the intersections of architecture, the city and society through exhibitions, publications and events. Aedes collaborates with an international network spanning culture, research, politics and industry.

Democratic Design

Aedes explores how architecture, planning processes and public spaces can foster democratic engagement and social cohesion – both more urgent than ever in times of profound societal uncertainty. The programme consists of an exhibition, a series of four Lab Talks and a catalogue featuring contributions from practitioners in Berlin, Germany and across Europe, selected through an open call in collaboration with European architecture centres.

Upcoming Talks

Programme

Talks

Leading international voices from architecture, research, culture, industry and activism come together to discuss pressing issues — from the climate crisis to social fragmentation – with the public.

Photos © Erik-Jan Ouwerkerk, © Liz Eve

Design Studios

Students and faculty from our international partner universities explore globally relevant topics through case-study sites and building typologies in Berlin.

Photos © Aedes, © Erik-Jan Ouwerkerk

Themes

Aedes has distilled the complexity of today’s challenges into a set of enquiry themes. These themes serve as the starting point for Aedes’ activities – framing and guiding the programme.

FUTUREPROOF  Climate Action and Resilience

FIX IT!  Sustainable Materials, New Products and Technologies

DEMOCRATIC DESIGN  Cooperation, Collaboration and Compromise

JUST LIVING  Housing Models for the Future

WATER: CURSE OR BLESSING?!  Building a Future Planet

SPACES AND SPECIES  Biodiversity and Cohabitation

HUMAN SCALE REMEASURED  New Requirements, Demands and Values in Architecture

KNOWLEDGE SPACES  Spatial Expansion of Education and Culture

BORDERS + TERRITORIES  Geopolitical and Cultural Concepts of Dividing and Connecting

REGIONS ON THE RISE  Rethinking Strategies for Rural Development

IDENTITY IN PLACE  Reconnecting Built Form With Societal Diversity

DOWNTOWN  New Ideas for Working, Living and Sharing in the Inner City

LEARNING FROM  On Architecture and Planning From Other Places

TOWARDS A HEALTHY CITY  Health Production and Optimisation in the Built Environment

AROUND + FORWARD  Transformation and Circular Economy

UPWARDS!  Vertical Habitat Between Vision and Reality

Partners

University Partners

Aedes partners with leading universities worldwide to explore new ways of teaching, studying and practicing architecture. Aedes University Design Studios provide a space for experimentation, collaboration and fresh approaches – right in the heart of Berlin. The studios spaces feature 24-hour access, plotting and printing, projectors, a self-catering kitchen, faculty accommodation and a beautiful garden.

Industry Partners

Aedes is a unique seismograph of the future. Aedes Industry Partners are actively involved in identifying emerging needs, uncovering new potentials and exploring some of the most pressing issues of our time across disciplines. A partnership with Aedes offers a glimpse into the future — together with those who design and build it.

Institutional Partners

The not-for-profit Aedes plays a vital role in the discourse on space-making within evolving political, economic and cultural contexts. Leveraging its location in the German capital, Aedes collaborates with international ministries, embassies, foundations, municipalities, research institutes and civil society organisations to develop the programme.

Newsletter

Facilities

Located in central Berlin at Pfefferberg, Prenzlauer Berg, Aedes Campus is a vibrant hub for creativity, exchange and experimentation. The flexible spaces host talks and University Design Studios year-round. The 200 m² multifunctional event space and the adjoining garden can also be rented for private and public events of all kinds.

Photos © Erik-Jan Ouwerkerk

Documentation

Video and Social Media

Explore the extensive online video library of talks and discussions, and stay connected with the Aedes community through the social media channels.

Publications

The processes, outcomes and ideas created in the Aedes programme have been captured in a series of publications.

Network

Photos © Erik-Jan Ouwerkerk