Comprehensive documentation on the architectural design of the House of One in Berlin, a unique interfaith building housing a synagogue, a church, and a mosque.
The House of One is a bold proposal by three local communities to build a house of prayer and learning for Jews, Christians, and Muslims in central Berlin. The design, which was the result of an international competition won by architects Kuehn Malvezzi in 2012, is to be built on the existing foundations of St. Petri Church, the first documented site in Berlin's history. The concept of the House of One is based on dialogue and an understanding of other faiths. As well as being a place of worship, it will be an educational center open to everyone. The sequence of spaces follows the principle of multiplicity within unity and heterogeneity within a single building. Although their rituals are different, coming together around a central hall in one building aspires to the universal.
The dynamic relationship between the specific and the universal informs its architecture as a hybrid monument. Since 2012, the project has attracted considerable interest due to its uniqueness and complexity. It has been featured in numerous international exhibitions, including the Chicago Biennial and the Venice Biennale. A wooden model of the House of One is included in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. This book traces the project's development to the present day and includes details of exhibitions, articles, and contributions from artists who have interpreted the House of One through videos, photographs, and performances.
Kuehn Malvezzi is an architectural practice in Berlin founded by Johannes Kuehn, Wilfried Kuehn and Simona Malvezzi in 2001. They work as exhibition designers, architects and curators, with a focus on museums and public spaces.
