Open Space TV Tower, Alexanderplatz, St. Mary's Church

Although the urban space around the TV Tower is one of the busiest areas in Berlin, it had become somewhat featureless over the years. We were given the task of redefining this important place, i.e. of giving the open area between Karl-Liebknecht-Straße and the Rathausstraße back the importance it once had. Our guiding principle was inspired by the expressive sculptured architecture of the tower's entrance pavilion. We took our cue from its geometric shapes and extended these into the open space and pedestrian areas surrounding it.

A large quantity of newly planted trees provides shade and also shields the area from the busy adjacent streets. This space, which used to be little more than transitory in character, has now become a place where people enjoy spending time.

Triangular figures accentuate the space and strengthen the expressiveness of the entrance pavilion. The lawns' edges double up as seating, and the lawn areas themselves are used as a place to lie down and relax.

The areas that were laid out 40 years ago have finally been given specific functions. Seating areas, a playground, lawns to lie on and a biergarten are now quickly recognisable to newcomers and invite them to stay and relax.

Client
District of Berlin-Mitte, Berlin Senate Administration for Urban Development

Negotiated procedure
March 2009, 1st prize

Service phases
1-8

Total area
21,500 sqm