How can we rethink the way we organize our urban spaces? From 16-30.6.2018, the second edition of MakeCity: Festival for Architecture and Urban Alternatives will tackle this question, all across the city. Hosting the festival’s main hub this year is the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, which is offering us a rare glimpse into its Rem Koolhaas-designed building, usually closed off to the public. Covered with an oversized grass carpet, the courtyard will transform into “PlayVoid”: an area for relaxation and exchange. For the duration of MakeCity, from 18h every evening, drinks and street food (by the likes of Tiny’s Pizza) will be served, accompanied by a program of events, many of which are open to all: From live music and free salsa workshops to nail art by Isla Nails, a collaboration with Dutch-Belgian film series “Prachtige Films!”, book readings, and FIFA World Cup screenings. The festival wraps up with a farewell party on 30.6.2018, during which students from TU Berlin will present their “Plug-In” refugee housing project in the form of a community pavilion, accompanied by a Syrian band and an award-winning Dutch choir. That’s just a taster though — follow the Facebook page to keep tabs on the regularly-updated full program. (Text: Anna Dorothea Ker / Photos: Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Berlin, Isla Berlin, Tiny’s Pizza)
Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Klosterstr.50, 10179 Berlin-Mitte; map
PlayVoid — MakeCity: Festival for Architecture and Urban Alternatives Hub
