This balcony is one of 15 identical balconies that are located on a six-story high building in the neighborhood ‘Mehr als Wohnen’. It is oriented towards another building with which it forms a calm walkway. The facade of the building is vertically divided by concrete pillars that are the main structural element that gives this significant appearance. The balcony itself consists out of concrete elements with a closed element facing towards the walkway to block the view direct- ly onto the balcony. Whereas a perforated metal railing on the left and right-hand side opens up towards the other balconies. Both pillars and balconies are placed before the facade with an additional round pillar one meter before the facade.
The open and spacious balconies in the upper floors are in great contrast to the ground floor that is fully closed. This two- story-high balcony allows the sun in winter to reach the apartment while in sum- mer the balconies above bring shade for an enjoyable environment.
However, the primary function of this balcony is to connect the residents and support the neighborliness. Like the fence in a rural neighborhood, the open railing induces communication over stories. It stands in contrast to the typical small and closed-off urban balconies and renounces this common idea of privacy. Finally, this balcony can be seen as a layer in between the private apartments and the public street and creates a new form of semi- privacy.
