Ernst-Reuter-Platz – Berlin, Germany

The square Ernst-Reuter-Platz in Berlin, considered an icon of progressive West Berlin, has long since lost its urban presence, particularly with regards to its former luster from use and activity. The square is planned be re-urbanized to function once again as an educational and business meeting center. Thus, the following criterion became the main themes of the design: landmark, centrality, linkage and openness.

LANDMARK of late Modernism on the central axis of Berlin (Straße des 17. Juni): The urban configuration from the 1950s is to be strengthened, using the Telefunken Tower as a focal point and the slab block orientation of the original plan designed by Hermkes. There is a densification in the second row of development: the vertical structure follows the orientation of the buildings from the late Modern city and exaggerates it; the horizontal plinth provides a clear space at ground level which connects the development with the late nineteenth century city.

CENTRALITY of a Learning Center as the new center of Charlottenburg Campus: The Ernst-Reuter-Platz is to become the central representational location of the broader educational region of universities and colleges, innovation centers, federal research institutes, private schools and adult education centers. The underground Learning Center beneath the monument garden on the roundabout’s island is easily accessible and works as a hinge. This hinge also allows for a connection alongside the pedestrian crossing zone for the square. The garden is thus utilized as exterior space for the Learning Center and helps re-activate the center of the Platz.

 

Urban Planning Assessment Procedure
Client: City of Berlin
Program: Learning centre, apartments, student housing, offices, retail

Team: Sabine Müller, Andreas Quednau, Anna Kostreva, Winston Hampel
in collaboration with HL Landschaftsarchitekten

projects, urbanism
28/03/2013