| Client: | degewo Süd Wohnungsgesellschaft mbH |
| Cooperation: | Arnold und Gladisch Objektplanung Generalplanung |
| Activity: | Open space concept |
| Period: | 2021-2023 |
| Dimension: | 1,0 ha |
| Location: | Berlin-Marienfelde |
As part of the further development of the “Mariengrün” housing estate in Berlin-Marienfelde, an additional residential neighbourhood is being created on Lichterfelder Ring. This consists of eight residential buildings with a total of 358 new flats and a day care centre. The linear buildings, typical of the neighbouring development to the north of the road, are unconventionally set at different heights and placed in a diamond shape in the depth of the plot. This creates two similarly sized neighbourhood courtyards in the centre of the complex. Access to the property for motorised traffic is curved on the outside of the buildings.
The state-owned degewo Süd Wohnungsbaugesellschaft used a participatory and cooperative workshop process in collaboration with the Tempelhof-Schöneberg district to incorporate the public’s future usage expectations into the development process.
Open space concept
The main focus of the design is on the two central, green inner courtyards. With pedestrian access and play areas, the courtyards form the new meeting places for the residents. The neighbourhood has a spacious entrance square on Lichterfelder Ring. It provides access to the reception centre and the nursery as well as serving as a gathering area.
The centrepiece of the complex is formed by the two central diamond-shaped courtyards. They offer an attractive play area for different age groups and various recreational opportunities. Quieter areas with “forest gardens” are planned along the western edge of the site. They offer further meeting points with their own quality of stay at the edge of the forest. The outdoor facilities of the daycare centre are located on the north-western edge of the site. Here, a green and quiet, but also varied play area with exercise and sand areas as well as playing fields will be created for the children.
Planting concept
The aim is to preserve the existing, valuable and partly protected tree population in the best possible way. The eastern border of the site is mainly characterised by dense birch growth in the southern area and old trees in the north. The birch pioneer forest is defined in the development plan as an “SPE area” (for protection, maintenance and development). This is to be preserved and developed as an important green structure. It is also planned to plant climate-resistant and site-appropriate trees in the courtyards. The loosely grouped trees are arranged in such a way that they provide shade for many of the common areas in the summer months. Furthermore, the greening of the south-facing façades and roofs increases thermal comfort. In principle, the planting should correspond to the site conditions and provide added value in terms of biodiversity. A selection of predominantly native woody plants and shrubs provides fauna with a wide range of food as well as reproduction and resting places.