Intrinsically Topotek 1
Third Places
At first glance, Iman, Peter, Johanne, Kala and Elisa appear to have nothing in common. A political activist, an astronomer, a tattoo artist, a chef and a babysitter are unlikely to cross paths. However, they all live in the same neighbourhood: Nørrebro, Denmark’s most socially and ethnically diverse district. Over ten years ago, a park was designed at its heart to bring the neighbourhood together. Like a village square where the world comes together, Superkilen quickly became both a landmark and a lively meeting place for the local community.
Over the course of a summer, Bêka & Lemoine set up camp in the park to observe this global microcosm up close. In their film, they explore how the neighbourhood is shaped by migration, religion and politics – a diversity which can often lead to tensions and contradictions, but which also gives rise to unexpected encounters. The film examines how a context-specific intervention in public space can foster coexistence and enable people to experience and redefine a place together.
The World in a Square
Intrinsically Topotek 1
A film by Bêka & Lemoine, 2026, 72 minutes
World premiere
Kino International, Berlin
23 April 2026
Opening address by Dr. Brigitte Franzen, Director of the Bauhaus Archive Berlin
Followed by a film screening and discussion with Ila Bêka, Louise Lemoine, Dr. Brigitte Franzen, Martin Rein-Cano and Lorenz Dexler.
Projects in Focus: Superkilen, Downtown Høje Taastrup, Inflatables.
Downtown Høje Taastrup
In response to the challenges posed by climate change in an urban context, a new central open space offering a wide range of leisure activities has been created to revitalise the town centre of Høje Taastrup. This space has been designed to withstand the increasingly heavy rainfall expected in the future, whilst also creating spatial structures that can support the town's growth. A central skate park is flanked by playgrounds, sports facilities, green spaces, and a wide cycle and pedestrian route connecting the station with the town’s main shopping centre. Measuring one kilometre in length, it is the world's longest skatepark and also serves as the neighbourhood’s rainwater management system. A hybrid design approach creates a vibrant and harmonious place where architecture, landscape, infrastructure and programme intertwine.
Høje Taastrup, Denmark
Design team: Topotek 1, Cobe
Consultants: Glifberg-Lykke, Ramboll
Completion: 2022
Superkilen
Superkilen is a diverse collection of spaces in a densely populated, central Copenhagen neighbourhood. Its design draws on historical garden design strategies, such as collage and transposition. The transfer of distinctive elements from other places and cultures here reflects and brings to life the neighbourhood’s multi-ethnic structure. Following many months of workshops and discussions with residents, the neighbourhood was mobilised, with citizen participation becoming the driving force behind the diversity design principle. The most striking sign of this cultural transfer is the 108 selected objects and trees, which create opportunities to build bridges and promote the neighbourhood’s diverse identities.
Copenhagen, Denmark
Designers: Topotek 1, BIG – Bjarke Ingels Group, Superflex
Completion: 2012
Inflatables
Although they change over time, landscapes are generally considered to be fixed in terms of their geographical location. The 'Inflatables' offer an inclusive experience that is neither site-specific nor stationary. They can be taken down, transported, and reinvent themselves and their surroundings in any location. The set consists of eight cheerfully colourful, soft-to-the-touch inflatable objects of varying sizes – some of which are just large enough to walk or crawl through. Their cumbersome size and inability to be controlled lend them an absurd, energetic and playful quality. Originally created for the State Garden Show in Wolfsburg, the ‘Inflatables’ have since been exhibited in various locations.
Designers: Topotek 1
Completion: 2004
Topotek 1 operates in the fields of landscape and architectural design. The practice sees itself as a wanderer at the intersection of typologies and scales, venturing into urban planning, music, and art. Its working method is defined by the interweaving of themes and disciplines, the transposition and recontextualisation of design elements, and the staging of scenographic sequences. Topotek 1 was founded in Berlin in 1996 by Martin Rein-Cano. Since 1999, he has run the practice alongside Lorenz Dexler as joint partners. Carsten Schmidt has been an associate partner at Topotek 1 since 2021. Topotek 1 Architecture was established in 2017 by Martin Rein-Cano, Lorenz Dexler, and Dan Budik.
