BERLIN.- The Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation announced that the BMW Guggenheim Lab will open in the Pfefferberg complex, in the Berlin neighborhood of Prenzlauer Berg. The BMW Guggenheim Lab—a temporary public space and online forum encouraging open dialogue about issues related to urban living—will offer free public programs from June 15 to July 29, 2012.



Pfefferberg, a former industrial complex that houses artists' studios, galleries, and restaurants, was first chosen as the site for the BMW Guggenheim Lab Berlin in June 2011. In January 2012, the Guggenheim Foundation announced plans to move the location of the Lab to Kreuzberg, on an expansive lot at the corner of Cuvrystrasse and Schlesische Strasse, along the River Spree. These plans were subsequently withdrawn because of concerns that the project would be disrupted.



Programming for the Berlin Lab has been developed by the Guggenheim Museum. All programs have been created by the Berlin Lab Team (José Gómez-Márquez, Rachel Smith, Corinne Rose, and Carlo Ratti), an international, multidisciplinary group of innovators and experts led by Guggenheim curator Maria Nicanor.



The programs have been designed to address ideas of particular relevance to Berlin as well as global urban issues. Lectures, hands-on workshops, and events at the Berlin Lab will be organized around four main topics:



Empowerment Technologies

José Gómez-Márquez, a pioneer in the field of health technology innovations, will lead a series of do-it-yourself workshops focused on the tangible aspects of building one's own city by "hacking" and transforming urban spaces.



Dynamic Connections

Rachel Smith, an expert in transportation issues, will lead programs focused on sustainable transportation and community-building.



Urban Micro-Lens

Berlin-based artist Corinne Rose will explore the intersections among psychology, architecture, and art with programs that address perception, communication, and emotion in city life.



Senseable City

Architect Carlo Ratti will lead programs examining how new technologies are transforming the way we understand, design, and live in cities.



The BMW Guggenheim Lab Berlin will be presented in collaboration with ANCB–Metropolitan Laboratory.