On the last weekend of June, our new office in Hamburg's Schanzenviertel became the starting and finishing point of a special exploration tour. As part of the Day of Architecture, we explored our new neighborhood with kids aged 6 to 10. Despite the summer heat and a few understandable cancellations, we spent three exciting hours filled with curiosity, movement, and creative energy.
Starting from our office, we walked to the Rindermarkthalle, with views of the Bunker, continued to the former Schlachthofpassage, through the Augustenpassage, and on to the Baschu playground. Along the way, we learned about the stories behind these places, their evolving urban fabric, and spaces that are constantly changing, connecting people, and being reimagined by those who use them. Through our exploration game, the children searched for five places to meet, play, and connect, collecting ideas along the way for models of their own.
Back at the office, everyone enjoyed a well-deserved ice cream before getting creative. The children built, glued, folded, and experimented using cardboard, paper, natural materials, adhesive film, leftover materials, and much more. With support from our colleagues, each child created their own unique miniature space for growth and imagination.
We were impressed by how attentively the children observed their surroundings and how naturally they transformed their observations into their own spatial ideas. For us, this is exactly what the Day of Architecture is about: not just looking at architecture, but discovering it together, questioning it, and imagining what it could become. After all, architecture creates spaces that empower people, support them, and give them room to grow.
A big thank you to all the children who joined us for their curiosity, imagination, and perseverance on this hot summer day. We would also like to thank the Day of Architecture team at the Hamburg Chamber of Architects for their coordination and support in making this event possible.
