Raumlabor is a Berlin-based collective of urban practitioners that has been exploring the intersection of space and society since 1999. At its core, the group consists of nine members who collaborate with a broader network of specialists from various fields, including architecture, sociology, and art. This interdisciplinary approach allows raumlabor to tackle complex urban issues through a variety of projects that often blur the lines between architecture, public art, and social activism.
The group's work is characterized by its use of temporary and mobile structures, such as pneumatic buildings and installations made from waste materials, to transform urban landscapes and challenge conventional planning processes. For example, their "Kolorado Plan" proposed a long-term strategy for dealing with urban shrinkage in a Berlin neighborhood, involving local residents in the planning process and incorporating small-scale interventions.
Raumlabor's projects often aim to open up spaces for communication and negotiation, highlighting problems rather than solving them. This approach is rooted in the utopian tradition of 1960s architecture, drawing inspiration from figures like Yona Friedman and Buckminster Fuller. The collective's work has been recognized internationally, with projects and exhibitions in cities like New York and Tokyo. Through their innovative and collaborative approach, raumlabor continues to contribute to the ongoing conversation about the future of urban spaces.