Leeds Beckett first year Architecture field trip to Berlin

From 28-31 October, our first year BA (Hons) Architecture, BA (Hons) Interior Architecture, and BA (Hons) Landscape Architecture students travelled to Berlin for their first major field trip of the year. The trip was an inspiring week of discovery, exploration, and creativity in one of Europe's most architecturally diverse cities.

Across four packed days, students explored a range of buildings, interiors, and urban landscapes. This included the political transparency of the Reichstag, the emotive spaces of the Jewish Museum, the expressive forms of the Philharmonie, and the urban layers of Potsdamer Platz, amongst other places.

Each visit encouraged critical observation, sketching, and discussion, helping students understand how architecture, space, and landscape respond to history, context, and people.

A key focus of the trip was Alexanderplatz, where students carried out on-site analysis for their studio project. Working in teams, they studied the square's atmosphere, materiality, movement, and social use, gathering the first-hand insights essential for their design proposals back in Leeds.

One of the highlights was a protest tour around Museum Island, revealing how Berlin's streets and public spaces have long been used for demonstration, expression, and civic participation. These themes will continue to inform students' work throughout this semester.

The group also had the privilege of visiting TU Berlin's architecture department for a guided tour, followed by an evening dinner at the Universität der Künste (UdK). Here, our students showcased their work alongside BA and MA architecture students from Berlin. The evening was filled with lively exchanges, shared ideas, and new international connections.

Despite a few travel delays and some typically changeable Berlin weather, spirits remained high and the trip proved both enriching and memorable. A great time was had by all, setting the tone for an exciting year ahead in design.