Arcostraße Housing Complex by blrm Architekt*innen

Reinterpreting Berlin's Urban Block for Contemporary Living

The Arcostraße Housing Complex, designed by blrm Architekt*innen, is a forward-thinking reinterpretation of the traditional Berlin block typology. Situated near the Spree River, this mixed-use development integrates commercial, residential, and public functions while maintaining a cohesive yet permeable urban form.

Facing the street, the project maintains a classic continuous building row, while the inner courtyard hosts five staggered residential volumes that form a dynamic and breathable ensemble. Unlike historic Berlin structures with side wings, access to the apartments is reimagined through four open parallel walkways that serve as both circulation paths and social connectors. These elevated passageways, paired with external staircases, create a bracket-like access system that also fulfills fire safety requirements via two diametrically placed evacuation routes.

Living, Working, and Socializing Around the Courtyard

The ground floor fosters urban interaction with public courtyards, small commercial units, a daycare center, and riverside gastronomy. This creates an active streetscape and promotes community coexistence. The upper levels host a broad range of 1- to 6-bedroom apartments, accommodating different household types and lifestyles.

Designed as open structures, the walkways double as neighborhood gathering spaces, visually and spatially integrating private balconies and enhancing the sense of community. The resulting form encourages visual transparency, daylight penetration, and cross-ventilation, making the project not just an architectural statement, but a model for urban sustainability and inclusivity.

All Photographs are works of Joshua Delissen