The “Spaces of Possibility” project comprises two distinct design elements along Karl-Marx-Straße that enhance the public space both functionally and aesthetically:
Good Bank
Redesigned benches made of painted V2A stainless steel (1710 x 560 x 465 mm) with three different seat heights: 35 cm (child seat height), 46.5 cm (standard seat height), and 55 cm (comfort height). The reflective bench is conceived as family-friendly seating, a playable experiential space, and an aesthetic object of contemplation.
Rivers
Five “spatial openings” in the form of inlays are distributed along Karl-Marx-Straße. The works are to be understood as a revelation of flowing, rhizomatic structures created from unpolished marble slabs with a distinctive texture. Visually, the slabs evoke movement, the dynamics of the space, and the connections—in other words, everything that surrounds Karl-Marx-Straße. The sidewalk slabs surrounding the openings are made of colored concrete and stand out from the rest through a subtle contrast.
Competition Context
The work was created as part of a review process for the redevelopment of Karl-Marx-Straße, which began in April 2013. The goal was to improve traffic quality and safety for pedestrians and cyclists while also enhancing the quality of the public space. Five selected artists and architects were invited to design objects that combine artistic design and street furniture. The designs could be two- or three-dimensional—integrated into the pavement of the side areas or conceived as seating, play, and climbing elements.
