URBAN SQUARE

REALIZATION
COMPETITION
RESTRICTED

1. PRIZE

The typology of architecture between Wilhelminenhofstrasse and the River Spree includes industrial structures of varying dimensions as well as residential buildings. Despite this diversity, the built structures in their respective plots comprise an overall spatial homogeneity. The entire area lends itself towards an arrangement of typical and recurring open spaces: two-sided corridors, three sided plazas, as well as irregular, mostly triangular enclosures along the riverbank.

The connection between Wilhelminenhofstrasse and the River Spree thus emerges as a sequence of subspaces, each in reference to its immediate context. From the Crane Promenade, through the large entrance gateway, along the platform of the exhibition halls, an aggregate of city plazas, promenades and sculpture gardens constitutes a succession of individual spaces.

The existing Crane construction and the guide wall significantly emphasize the corridor-like area of the Crane Promenade. The existing groundcover and railway tracks are to be preserved in the design.

The city plaza is settled between the exhibition halls and the proposed site of a hotel development. It links the Laufener Strasse with the Spree riverbank. The eastern side of the plaza is characterized by an irregular row of trees, extending from the row of trees on the Laufener Strasse into the plaza. Seating arrangements invite the passerby to rest between the trees.

The riverbank promenade is part of the Spree walking trail and connects the new Kaiser footbridge with the city plaza, the exhibition halls, and the sculpture garden. The city plaza and the platform of the exhibition halls are slightly raised, compared to the riverbank promenade. The grounds of the exhibition halls are further highlighted by an additional wall element as a continuation of the guide wall.

The area is consciously left open in order to preserve the view of the Spree. The placement of trees merges into the row of trees on the city plaza. The edge of the riverbank is flanked by broad stone benches, inviting the visitor to linger a while along the river.

ClientBezirksamt Treptow-Köpenick
von Berlin
Cooperationplanning with: DS-Lichtconcept, Ingenieurbüro Rüdiger Jockwer GmbH
construction management: köpcons Planungsbüro GmbH
realization with: STRABAG, Michow & Sohn, NUON Stadtlicht GmbH,
we-ef Leuchten GmbH & Co KG
Year02/2005
Area1,8 ha
Budget1,62 Mio EUR netto
Planning2005 - 2008
Realization2006 - 2008
PhasesLph 2-6 + 8
Awardda! Architektur in und aus Berlin 2009
PhotographerBernd Hiepe