Dragon tales: wit has transformed a heavy Prussian school into a lively and welcoming place.Die Baupiloten is a programme run by Susanne Hofmann to give architectural students of the Technical University of Berlin practical experience of building. Its first job has been the rehabilitation rehabilitation: see physical therapy. of the Erika Mann Erika Julia Hedwig Mann (November 9, 1905 – August 27, 1969) was the eldest daughter of novelist Thomas Mann and Katia Mann. Early life She was born in Munich and had a privileged childhood. The Mann home was a gathering-place for intellectuals and artists. elementary school elementary school: see school. in Wedding, one of the poorest parts of the city and afflicted af·flict tr.v. af·flict·ed, af·flict·ing, af·flicts To inflict grievous physical or mental suffering on. [Middle English afflighten, from afflight, by over 50 per cent unemployment. The old building is a typical product of the Bismarckian welfare state, solid but most unwelcoming. The students decided to transform it into a fairy tale A Fairy Tale (AKA A Magic Tale) - Fantastic ballet in 1 Act, with choreography by Marius Petipa, and music by (?) Richter. First presented by students of the Imperial Ballet School on April 4/16 (Julian/Gregorian calendar dates), 1891 in the . [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Working with pupils, parents (many of whom are immigrants) and teaching staff, Die Baupiloten converted the circulation spaces, corridors and stairs (but not the teaching areas) into the imaginary landscape of a mythical Silver Dragon. The ground floor represents its lair in the forest. Green plants, aided by constant ultra-violet light, grow from the walls above fold-down steel furniture. On the first floor a new atmosphere is created between light, translucent veils of the ceiling and textile wardrobes. The dragon prepares for flight on the second floor, where bathed in pink light, elements reminiscent of wings fold down from the walls to provide small study areas. On the top floor, the dragon is in the air, with writhing translucent light-filled ceilings and walls curvaceously cur·va·ceous adj. Having the curves of a full or voluptuous figure. cur·va  ceous·ly adv. sculpted sculpt v. sculpt·ed, sculpt·ing, sculpts v.tr. 1. To sculpture (an object). 2. To shape, mold, or fashion especially with artistry or precision: to make benches, cupboards and seats. Institutional corridors have completely disappeared behind swirling light and colour. Going down, in the arches of the central walls of the main staircase, are devices that resemble small harps, so when children run up and down stairs, their fingers can strum notes that increase in frequency until they reach C sharp on the top floor. So the dragon not only flies, but it sings. The jury welcomed the imagination and ingenuity of the transformation, but members were worried about the permanence of some of the movable furniture elements. But all thought that Baupiloten should be congratulated for a brave first effort. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] |
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