Gathering for a new literary event at the Academy of Sciences
In the heart of Berlin, a historic location is being transformed into a vibrant, open literary salon. The Berlin-Brandenburg Academy of Sciences (BBAW) has partnered with the Detmold School of Design at the Ostwestfalen-Lippe University of Applied Sciences for a unique student project, aiming to reimagine the space as a hub for reflection, dialogue, and cultural exchange.
The central feature of this transformation is the "Treasure Chamber of Language," a space that houses original Grimm's dictionaries, symbolizing the rich history of language and meaning. The new literary salon, named "Language & Meaning," has been designed by students Hanna Ruth Dudey and Anna Luna Templin, offering an atmospherically open space for reflection and cultural dialogue.
The "Lise-Meitner-Salon," another design concept, stands out for its focus on showcasing women's achievements in science. Greta Popova received a commendation for this design, which aims to make these accomplishments more visible in the salon.
Nine designs were created in total during the winter semester 2024/25, with some exceptional works being particularly recognized. Mayte Maier's "Salon of the 4 Pillars," a modern, open literary salon, received the realization prize. Lisanne-Aimée Wächter's design, which includes a refined room structure with a tea kitchen, public café, and the title-giving cabinet of curiosities, was acknowledged for its diversity of ideas.
The jury, consisting of experts from science, design, and architecture, selected the most convincing concepts in May 2025. The jury members included Prof. Dr. Christoph Markschies, Prof. Sandra Richter, Kai Uwe Peter, Dr. Jörg Brauns, Gabriele Hauser, Jörg Prinz, Thomas Rauscher, and Prof. Dipl.-Ing. Carsten Wiewiorra.
The new literary salon will serve as a retreat for employees, members, and guests of the academy, offering space for exchange and inspiration. It will be used for readings, discussion events, and conversations about the relationship between science, language, and literature. The BBAW expresses its gratitude to the participating students for their commitment and creative input, and looks forward to the next steps towards a new place for dialogue in Berlin.
It's worth noting that collaborative design projects between academic institutions and design schools can lead to innovative and interdisciplinary initiatives, often involving students and professionals working together to create spaces that serve both cultural and educational purposes. These projects often aim to integrate functional needs with aesthetic appeal and sustainability.
The BBAW's new literary salon, located on Taubenstraße at the Gendarmenmarkt, is a testament to the potential of such collaborations. As the construction progresses, the salon is set to become a significant addition to Berlin's cultural landscape, fostering intellectual exploration and creative exchange.
The interior-design concept for the "Language & Meaning" literary salon, designed by Hanna Ruth Dudey and Anna Luna Templin, embodies a harmonious blend of the home-and-garden aesthetic and lifestyle, offering an inviting space for cultural dialogue and reflection. The design terrain also includes Lisanne-Aimée Wächter's innovative work, which features a refined room structure integrating a tea kitchen, public café, and cabinet of curiosities, thereby highlighting the salon's role as a hub for science, language, and literature.
