—
Tuntenhaus
Documenting a Communal Space Through Photography & Research
Role:
Researcher & Designer
Duration:
8 years
Team:
1 Designer (myself)
For my design bachelor's thesis, I embarked on a long-term documentary project capturing the essence of the Tuntenhaus—a queer squat and safe space in Berlin’s Prenzlauer Berg. Having lived there for eight years, I combined photography, interviews, and archival research to create a 282-page photobook that explores the intersection of identity, activism, and community.
The project showcases my ability to conduct in-depth research, engage with sensitive topics through interviews, and design a cohesive visual and editorial experience. It also reflects my commitment to inclusivity and social discourse through design.
Book Design
Photography
Research
Interviews
Typography
Cultural Documentation
Inclusivity
01
Visual Storytelling
01
Visual Storytelling
01
Visual Storytelling
A House, A Community, A Safe Space?
The core of the book is a photographic journey through the private and public spaces of the Tuntenhaus. The images create visibility while respecting the privacy of its residents—documenting daily life, activism, and the unique atmosphere of the house. Each photograph contributes to a nuanced portrayal of the community without exposing individuals to potential risks.
A House, A Community, A Safe Space?
The core of the book is a photographic journey through the private and public spaces of the Tuntenhaus. The images create visibility while respecting the privacy of its residents—documenting daily life, activism, and the unique atmosphere of the house. Each photograph contributes to a nuanced portrayal of the community without exposing individuals to potential risks.
02
Interviews
02
Interviews
02
Interviews
Giving Voice to the Community
To deepen the narrative, I conducted three group interviews with former and current Tuntenhaus residents. These conversations, transcribed and printed on soft pink matte paper, separate the photographic sections while adding personal and historical context. Marginal icons highlight recurring themes, helping readers navigate the dialogues.
Giving Voice to the Community
To deepen the narrative, I conducted three group interviews with former and current Tuntenhaus residents. These conversations, transcribed and printed on soft pink matte paper, separate the photographic sections while adding personal and historical context. Marginal icons highlight recurring themes, helping readers navigate the dialogues.
03
Archival Research
03
Archival Research
03
Archival Research
Contextualising a Movement
Beyond my own documentation, I incorporated historical materials from former residents and the Schwules Museum in Berlin. This section, structured in three parts, traces the evolution of queer squatting in Berlin:
Bülowstraße 55 (1981-1983)
– Early queer squatting movements.Mainzer Straße (May–Nov. 1990)
– A short-lived but pivotal occupation.Kastanienallee 86 (since 1990)
– The long-standing home of Tuntenhaus.
This historical framework enriches the project, linking individual stories to broader political and social movements.
Contextualising a Movement
Beyond my own documentation, I incorporated historical materials from former residents and the Schwules Museum in Berlin. This section, structured in three parts, traces the evolution of queer squatting in Berlin:
Bülowstraße 55 (1981-1983)
– Early queer squatting movements.Mainzer Straße (May–Nov. 1990)
– A short-lived but pivotal occupation.Kastanienallee 86 (since 1990)
– The long-standing home of Tuntenhaus.
This historical framework enriches the project, linking individual stories to broader political and social movements.
04
Design
04
Design
04
Design
Crafting a Tangible Experience
Every design choice reinforces the themes of the book:
Hardcover with embossing, wrapped in pink velvet, reflecting both softness and defiance.
Screw binding for a structured yet flexible format.
Paper selection: Glossy for photographs (175g), matte pastel pink for interviews (120g), and recycled paper for text sections (120g).
Typography: A mix of Silka (modern and geometric) and Perpetua (classic and literary) to balance contemporary and archival aesthetics.
Printed and bound in Berlin, the book is an object as much as a narrative—an intentional blend of tactile materials and documentary storytelling.
Crafting a Tangible Experience
Every design choice reinforces the themes of the book:
Hardcover with embossing, wrapped in pink velvet, reflecting both softness and defiance.
Screw binding for a structured yet flexible format.
Paper selection: Glossy for photographs (175g), matte pastel pink for interviews (120g), and recycled paper for text sections (120g).
Typography: A mix of Silka (modern and geometric) and Perpetua (classic and literary) to balance contemporary and archival aesthetics.
Printed and bound in Berlin, the book is an object as much as a narrative—an intentional blend of tactile materials and documentary storytelling.
05
Reflection
05
Reflection
05
Reflection
The Challenge of Documenting a Community
This project challenged me on multiple levels: as a designer, a researcher, and a former resident. Balancing personal experience with academic rigor required stepping outside my comfort zone—exploring perspectives beyond my own, questioning assumptions, and weaving individual narratives into a broader social discussion.
The process also reinforced the complexities of representing a community: How do you document a space built on privacy? How do you share collective experiences without overstepping personal boundaries? The inclusion of interviews and archival material helped me navigate these questions, ensuring the project remained respectful, informative, and engaging.
The Challenge of Documenting a Community
This project challenged me on multiple levels: as a designer, a researcher, and a former resident. Balancing personal experience with academic rigor required stepping outside my comfort zone—exploring perspectives beyond my own, questioning assumptions, and weaving individual narratives into a broader social discussion.
The process also reinforced the complexities of representing a community: How do you document a space built on privacy? How do you share collective experiences without overstepping personal boundaries? The inclusion of interviews and archival material helped me navigate these questions, ensuring the project remained respectful, informative, and engaging.
Methods
Ethnographic Research
Interviews (group discussions)
Archival Research
Visual Narrative
Editorial Design
Material Experimentation
Methods
Ethnographic Research
Interviews (group discussions)
Archival Research
Visual Narrative
Editorial Design
Material Experimentation
Skills
Documentary Photography
Visual Storytelling
Book & Editorial Design
Typography & Layout Design
Research & Ethnography
Archival Research & Curation
Interviewing & Transcription
Print Production
Skills
Documentary Photography
Visual Storytelling
Book & Editorial Design
Typography & Layout Design
Research & Ethnography
Archival Research & Curation
Interviewing & Transcription
Print Production
Tools
InDesign (book layout, typography)
Adobe Photoshop (photo editing)
Adobe Illustrator (icons, visual elements)
Digital camera (photography)
Audio Recording
Tools
InDesign (book layout, typography)
Adobe Photoshop (photo editing)
Adobe Illustrator (icons, visual elements)
Digital camera (photography)
Audio Recording
Conclusion
Through this photobook, I combined long-term research, photography, interviews, and editorial design to create a meaningful exploration of safe spaces in queer culture. The project demonstrates my ability to handle sensitive topics, conduct interviews, and translate research into a compelling visual and tactile experience—key skills in human-centered design. It also highlights my ongoing commitment to inclusivity, social impact, and storytelling through design.
Conclusion
Through this photobook, I combined long-term research, photography, interviews, and editorial design to create a meaningful exploration of safe spaces in queer culture. The project demonstrates my ability to handle sensitive topics, conduct interviews, and translate research into a compelling visual and tactile experience—key skills in human-centered design. It also highlights my ongoing commitment to inclusivity, social impact, and storytelling through design.
