The bachelor thesis explores artificial natural spaces, with a particular focus on the Zoological City Garden in Karlsruhe. The aim was to develop a new architectural narrative for this space through research, analysis, and design.

The starting point of the project was the zoo’s western boundary wall. This wall separates the zoo both spatially and functionally from the urban context and acts as a barrier within the cityscape. The design addresses this separation by replacing it with a new linear structure that creates transitions instead of blocking them. The architecture is modular and follows a repetitive grid. The ground floor accommodates public functions, the first floor offers communal living spaces, and the second floor contains private sleeping areas. This spatial structure fosters interaction, exchange, and education – forming a new relationship between city, nature, and society.

The student shared apartments are conceived as open, universal spaces. Generous roof openings provide ample daylight and ventilation while creating a visual connection to the sky and the surrounding vegetation. The interior atmosphere can be adapted using textile sunshades, which offer both shading and protection while subtly influencing the quality of light. On the ground floor, large folding doors open the public spaces directly to the city, creating fluid transitions between interior and exterior – between architecture and public life.