"Architecture truly comes into its own when we use it, when our own and others' life stories unfold and intertwine - together forming our shared life in the city." These words, echoed by Danish-German writer and social commentator Knud Romer, encapsulate the essence of the exhibition Tales of the City by Copenhagen-based architecture studio WERK. With a focus on community-centric design, this exhibition displayed at Aedes Architecture Forum in Berlin, offers a fresh perspective on 14 buildings and public squares and explores the intricate relationship between urban landscapes and human experiences. These projects by WERK invite us on a thought-provoking journey where architecture becomes a conduit for storytelling, social commentary and community engagement. 

In Tales of the City, each architectural work is accompanied by a short story by Romer. Romer's narratives add depth and context to the projects and stimulates the imagination of visitors. Through delicate models and sketches, the exhibition provides an immersive experience, illustrating how architecture impacts human beings and society. The exhibited projects range from urban green spaces like Carl Nielsens Allé in Copenhagen, which transforms a former car park into a lush park and water reservoir, to community-focused developments like Herfølge Bjergby, a mixed-housing neighbourhood promoting inclusivity and sustainability. From tiny houses to sustainable dream homes, residents of all backgrounds contribute to the common good.

The Maritime Center in Esbjerg exemplifies the Danish architects’ approach to communal spaces, bringing together diverse groups and fostering social interaction. Other projects, such as Creative Blocks in Hamburg and Grønttorvet in Copenhagen, showcase their commitment to creating vibrant urban environments. Their ongoing endeavours like the Rødovre Town Hall and the anticipated BørneHAVEN kindergarten in Hamburg, continue to reimagine urban living that inspires connection, sustainability and innovation.

One of the driving forces behind the practice’s vision is Thomas Kock, the founder and creative director. For Kock, architecture is not just about erecting buildings; it's about shaping experiences and fostering connections. In this architecture exhibition, his perspective is evident in the emphasis on storytelling and community engagement. By collaborating with Romer, he seeks to create an immersive architectural experience that resonates with visitors on a personal and emotional level.

According to the founder, one standout example from the exhibition that exemplifies WERK's approach is the transformation of a former vegetable market site in Valby into Grønttorvet, a new green urban quarter. This project addresses societal challenges such as loneliness, climate change and loss of biodiversity. Despite the lack of proximity to water or natural areas, WERK has created value and identity for the neighbourhood by centring it around a green park. This park, built on the site of the former Grønttorvshallerne, preserves the columns and structures of the halls, providing a framework for recreational activities and community gatherings. Rooftop gardens and terraces further foster social connections, while special plantings within the park offer unique recreational experiences. Greenhouses not only continue the area's history of fruit and vegetable cultivation but also serve as social meeting places with communal dining, enhancing the neighbourhood's visual character.

Selected buildings in the area have been designed with outward-facing functions. The neighbourhood is planned as a green community, featuring car-sharing services, exchange stations, and communal greenhouses to promote public engagement and sustainability. Green courtyards, edge zones, roads and squares create a cohesive environment filled with plants and trees, making the city "edible" and giving the area a distinctive identity. Through this project, the firm demonstrates how thoughtful urban design can address contemporary challenges while creating sustainable communities.

The practice’s interdisciplinary approach to design is reflected in its collaborative process, which brings together architects, planners and landscape architects to address the multiple challenges of urban development. Whether it's the integration of green spaces or projects like Stubkaj and Esbjerg Maritime Center, as recipients of the prestigious MIPIM Award, their focus extends beyond buildings to encompass the surrounding environment. By leveraging the nearby sea and water, they create spaces catering to diverse activities, uniting various groups and clubs to form unique communities.

Romer, a Danish-German author, radio host, and social commentator, brings a unique perspective to this exhibition through his background as a writer and keen observer of societal dynamics. With acclaimed works like The One Who Blinks Is Afraid of Death (2006) and The River that Runs Both Ways (2018), Romer has established himself as a voice that reflects on the human condition with sensitivity and insight. Whether reflecting on the positive or disastrous effects of architecture, Romer's stories resonate with authenticity and empathy.

His commentary on the exhibition provokes thought and encourages visitors to consider the broader implications of architectural design on society. Through concrete personal stories, he illuminates how architecture influences our lives, offering visitors a deeper appreciation of its power and significance.

Romer's storytelling serves as a bridge between the tangible structures on display and the intangible experiences they evoke. When STIR asked the author how he navigates between individual memories and the broader cultural or social contexts to convey the significance of each project, he said, “I have a very good memory, and easy access to my feelings. As an experienced academic and writer, I trust my abilities to let associations flow and create relevant content in my own unique style.”

One standout project of the practice is the Sportstårnet in Copenhagen which is currently under construction. This proposal addresses the challenge of limited space for sports facilities in dense urban areas by stacking pitches on top of each other. Designed as an open and unheated wooden structure, the project reflects WERK's innovative approach to urban design. Romer's narrative explores the intersection of sports and community-building, reflecting on personal memories of community sports activities and their impact on social relationships.

In his recollection of this project, he humorously reminisces with STIR about his youthful pursuits of handball and the unexpected encounters that shaped his relationship with sports halls. “What I wanted to score though and the entire reason why I went down to the sports hall, wasn’t just the game itself but the chance encounters with the girl handball players from NFH Nykøbing F. Handball Club,” he says. This excerpt offers visitors an opportunity to see beyond the physicality of architecture and explore the emotional and social dimensions it encompasses.

But Romer's narratives extend beyond mere anecdotes; they offer insights into the broader societal implications. When questioned about the aspects of the exhibited projects that might resonate most profoundly with visitors in terms of societal impact and cultural relevance, he reflected on the significance of Carl Nielsens Allé. Emphasising how this project addresses the pressing issue of climate change by mitigating the damage caused by floods. In sharing his personal story, he recounted the loss of cherished belongings due to flooding, highlighting the human dimension of the project's importance. It's not merely about material possessions, but about memories and the narratives of families affected by such environmental challenges. Romer's narrative serves as a poignant reminder of the real-life consequences of climate change and the urgent need for action. 

Through Tales of the City, Kock and his team aim to inspire dialogue and reflection on the role of architecture in shaping our communities and collective experiences. By showcasing projects that address pressing issues such as climate change, social isolation and urban sprawl, WERK invites visitors to envision a more inclusive and resilient future.

Sharing his aspiration for the exhibition, Kock expressed, "Our goal is to create an architectural experience with a lot of opinions. By intertwining personal narratives with architectural design, Tales of the City offers visitors a nuanced understanding of how architecture shapes our lives and influences our interactions with the built environment. In the end, the exhibition is not just a celebration of buildings; it's a testament to the power of architecture to inspire, connect, and transform our cities”.

Tales of the City exhibition is on view from April 6 to May 22, 2024, at Aedes Architecture Forum, Berlin