The 11th edition of the Berlin district of Neukölln’s annual redevelopment journal ‘KARLSON’ was published at the end of November. The format, which is also published digitally, provides information on developments and the status of ongoing projects in the ‘Living Centre and Redevelopment Area Karl-Marx-Allee/Sonnenallee’. The redevelopment area, which is funded by the ‘’Living Centres and Neighbourhoods‘’ urban development programme, aims to create a liveable and sustainable neighbourhood. The focus is on adapting, revitalising, strengthening and preserving public open spaces. In addition to numerous streets, squares and green spaces, current projects in the redevelopment area include sports and play facilities as well as schools and youth centres.
The current issue of ‘KARLSON’ deals, among other things, with the climatic challenges in the district – the increase in annual heatwaves, heavy rainfall events and sustainable rainwater management. In addition, several children and youth projects in the redevelopment area are discussed. Among them: the Elbe School.
FJP has been working on the redesign of the Elbe School schoolyard since summer 2024. Early pupil participation is an important step in the planning process. Our experience from other school projects such as Ernst-Abbe-Gymnasium, Schule am Fennpfuhl and Kurt-Schumacher-Schule shows that this step is valuable for the redesign of school playgrounds. After all, who, if not the main users of the space, can point out current deficits and express desired needs? As a result of the pupils’ participation, many suggestions are made that flow into the planning and realisation of an appealing and functional space for the children. In addition, the participation process of pupils, parents and teachers also promotes identification with the project, increases the subsequent acceptance of the redesigned area and encourages the children’s creativity and initiative.
The detailed article about our participation process at the Elbe School and all other issues of the ‘KARLSON’ redevelopment newspaper can be found here.