The agglomeration of Berlin developed according to a classic scenario: a multi-pointed star, whose radials extend along the main traffic axes, absorbing neighbouring cities in the process. These cities can be developed into regional centres and establish a polycentric system in the Berlin-Brandenburg metropolitan region. In the first phase we identified the following main principles of agglomeration development in the region: the compact development of local centres – small towns that lie on the main traffic arteries due to their individual functional characteristics; the development of nature reserves and recreational areas (green belts), as well as the development of the area’s regional tourism potential through the creation of a ‘Golden Ring’ in the Berlin-Brandenburg metropolitan region – a route that connects cities with cultural and historical heritage sites; and the development of the corresponding tourism infrastructure. One of the important elements of a future regional agglomeration structure is the system of local centres situated around Berlin proper, as well as goods production and distribution hubs along the main traffic routes between Eastern and Western Europe.
One such road is the European route E30, which runs from Ireland to Great Britain, through the Netherlands, Germany, Poland, and Belarus to Omsk in Russia. In our design, this road serves as a conceptual development axis for the region. The development of the surrounding areas and towns, which have the potential to become new local centres, is of fundamental importance. The local centres, in turn, can become local agglomerations with nearby settlements and thus form a stable system of efficiently located and economically interconnected areas. These areas could be combined by developing industrial, cultural, social and labour relations, as well as social and technical infrastructures (when possible), and shared land resources. This naturally implies, among other things, the development of a coordinated multi-modal transport network with a focus on public transport (at the level of regional and local agglomerations) and of a pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure in cities and settlements.
In accordance with the competition stipulations, we selected three sub-areas for comprehensive development from the 10 suggested topics:
Housing construction to the east of the city: Köpenicker Chaussee (Berlin)
Renovation of Potsdam’s Centre East district (Berlin-Brandenburg)
The creation and expansion of a new regional centre: ‘Airea’ (Aero City), which is adjacent to the east–west development axis (Berlin-Brandenburg)
Sub-area 1
In our selection of a sub-area in Berlin, we were guided by open-access data on development plans for the urban districts. Our idea was to choose an area that has no development plans (or none that is officially sanctioned) and the prerequisites for creating a mixed-use urban environment that offers comfortable living conditions and, where possible, the construction of diverse types of housing. The concept respects the current planning structure with existing road network and its cultural heritage. The historic buildings are to be converted into community centres (centres of activity), including commercial markets, cultural centres, and such. New residential areas are created by a network of green and attractive transport and pedestrian connections. The well-equipped waterfront with a marina and open spaces for commercial markets and public events will be the main draw for residents and visitors. The concept envisages the residential area as containing different types of housing (from apartment buildings to individual townhouses) and related facilities.
Sub-area 2
The Centre East (Zentrum Ost) district is located on the edge of Potsdam city centre between Potsdam Central Station and Nutheschnellstrasse expressway. This area stretches along the Havel and borders Nuthepark and the celebrated Park Babelsberg. We see great potential for development in the Centre East. The redevelopment of this residential area will help meet the growing need for housing in the region (by increasing living space and introducing a variety of dwelling types). It will also have a positive effect on investment in urban development and promote the creation of a new settlement that is integrated into urban fabric. These things will improve the quality of the urban environment and offer new opportunities for further investment in the city. In addition, the redeveloped residential area will be a source of additional tax revenue (property taxes and income taxes). The project presents a proposal for the renewal of the district. A gradual development, together with a considerate and sustainable adjustment of the planning structure, will ultimately enable the creation of a self-sufficient urban environment. This area will be characterised by a strong social infrastructure, numerous functions, green spaces, and a successful symbiosis between the built environment and undeveloped open space.
Sub-area 3
This concept proposes the development of the area between the A10 motorway (part of European route E30) and the southern border of Berlin. The area comprises the municipalities of Blankenfelde-Mahlow and Schönefeld, including the BER International Airport, which is currently under construction. The municipalities have good transport links to the city centre, land reserves for new buildings, and potential for development thanks to existing natural and recreation areas. The flight paths of the new airport and the water-treatment facilities in Wassmannsdorf must be factored in, and this results in significant planning restrictions for the area’s development. A new local centre, Airea, is part of the proposed development concept for the Berlin-Brandenburg metropolitan region along the east–west planning axis (A10 motorway). The centre will consist of three smaller centres.
The first small centre is Schönefeld (the gateway to Berlin), a mixed-use area. It includes office and administrative centres with subsidiaries of international companies; residential areas (including rental apartments) and associated infrastructures and hotels; goods distribution hubs; and eco-friendly production complexes.
The second small centre is the district of Großziethen. It will become a new residential area that borders the Berlin districts of Lichtenrade, Buckow, and Rudow. The area is to contain low-rise buildings and detached houses, thereby seamlessly adjoining Berlin’s urban fabric.
The third small centre will be the district of Dahlewitz + Groß Kienitz, a multifunctional residential area that is to be established within the existing settlements of Dahlewitz and Groß Kienitz. The area between the two towns, which is to be the site of the ‘Airea’ (Aero City), has a number of exceptional features. These include its proximity to the A10 motorway and thus the E30; good transport links to the airport and to the centre (Dahlewitz railway station); production facilities (Rolls-Royce Deutschland) and goods distribution hubs; and abundant recreation areas, such as the Groß Kienitz golf course. These are a good basis for creating a balanced urban environment that offers a compact, diverse, and comfortable lifestyle. The availability of work and recreation districts within walking distance of each other, as well as diverse types of housing and well-developed social infrastructures, make this area attractive to both current and future residents.
Our predictions and suggestions are based on an analysis of the location’s history, the current situation, and our professional knowledge. We are convinced that in each subsequent phase, additional studies should be carried out that correspond to that specific phase of the project’s development. In the future, it will be important that a detailed assessment of the economic and urban development potential, including socio-cultural research, is carried out for each of these areas so that a comprehensive list of restrictions, development requirements, and needs can be compiled. This will provide the opportunity to draft a usage programme and a concept for the area’s development, since these are the most important core data for further planning. We hope our visions and development principles for the Berlin-Brandenburg region, and in particular for the three sub-areas described here, will receive interest and support, and that qualitative transformations of the region and city will soon begin.
