u-lab reader klein

Urban Research and Design

LaboratoryOBERE STADTSPREE

Debut Workshop25.10. – 29.10.2010


Laboratory

IN COOPERATION WITHThe Urban Management Program and the Urban Design Dual Degree Program, TU Berlin as well as the Universidad Catolica De Chile

Debut Workshop +Introductional dialog session

Planungslabor: Urban Research and Design Laboratory . Technische Universität Berlin . Fakultät VI . Institut für Architektur . Sekr. A 53 . [email protected] . http://ulab.architektur.tu-berlin.de

FEATURED BYUrban Research and Design Laboratory

Project managmentDipl.-Ing. Paola Alfaro d’AlençonDipl.-Ing. Daniela Konrad

Student assistentsGabi Eisenreich, Anton Katzer



Debut Workshop25.10. – 29.10.2010

/ INTRODUCTION

INTRODUCTION

The urban space constitutes a palimpsest: a series of overlaid approaches constructed at different historical moments.Lefebvre 1991; Harvey 2000; Koolhaas 1999However, it is a space shaped by associated commercial activities and their dynamics. Weber 1956; Castells 2001

The metropolis strives to reach a mythical point where the world is completely fabricated by man, so that it absolutely coincides with his desires. The metropolis is an addictive machine, from which there is no escape, unless it offers that, too ....Koolhaas 1978

I. Winter term 2010 – CASe StUDY, Obere StADtSpree in berlin

Sustainable remodeling of urban waterfront areas, such as the Obere Stadtspreein Berlin, are exposed to manifold requirements. Due to marketing interests andstandards of international investors, the practice of its revitalization is often in conflictwith local efforts to develop sustainable living areas of high quality. Together with keystakeholders the Urban Research and Design Laboratory of the TU Berlin will investigate the spatial qualities and social configurations of the area of the Obere Stadtspree.

The Focus of the overall teaching unit in the winter term 2010 will be on field research and area documentations, the development of conceptual approaches, as well as development plans and design projects. Additionally the Urban Research and Design Laboratory will work on the development of a weblog as communication and

working tool. Last but not least, a research paper will allow a series of students to focus critically on research topics related to the Spree area.

II. DebUt WOrkShOp, 25th – 29th Of OCtOber 2010

Together with guests, researchers and students of the Universidad Catolica de Chile and Valparaiso, architecture and planning students of the TU Berlin (Urban Management, Urban Design, Architecture and Regional planning) a first workshop will take place of the Urban Research and Design Laboratory.

Main objective is to enable the social – spatial understanding on complex urban development process as the Obere Stadtspree case study represents. Supportive targets are the research on the subject from various perspectives within a solid, rigorous and updated base on the development process of the case study in Berlin.

INPUT: The objective and targets encompasses a blend of various methodologies using field research, literature review, reference case studies as well as the fundamental knowledge providing dialogs within the stakeholders during the Introductional dialog session, 28th of October 2010.

RESEARCH TOPICS: During the workshops the participants are requested to search on the developments of the Obere Stadtspree case study. Groups formed by six students will analyse important key-topics (social/cultural/local/spatial/economical/ecological) of the Obere Stadtspree development process:

River Spree in Berlin



Debut Workshop25.10. – 29.10.2010

/ INTRODUCTION

iii. tASk

1. Evaluation of potentials of the Obere Stadtspree 2. Evaluation of problems of the Obere Stadtspree3. Evaluation on complementary visions/solutions to the Obere Stadtspree Each Group is requested to nominate speakers for the elaborated points 1-3. Groups of same speakers formulate significant questions for the introductional dialog sessions with practitioners and stakeholders. Speakers organize themselves for the sessions:- discussion round (see program 1)- discussion round (see program 2)- final discussion

iV. Obere StADtSpree StAkehOlDerSKeynote Speakers and Lecturers

Carl herwarth v. bittenfeldHead of the Urban Planning and Architecture office Herwarth + Holz.

rainer nagelSenate Departement for Urban Development Berlin, Head of Department of Urban Planning and Open Space.

takis SgourosSenate Departement for Urban Development Berlin, Department of Urban Planning and Projects.

Jan DohnkeTEAS FU-Berlin.

ralf SteegGraduate engineer of Landscape Architecture and Envi-ronmental Planning. Director of SPREE2011, director of LURI.watersystems.GmbH.

margarita Greene ZúñigProfessor at the Universidad Catholica de Chile.

Ulla lutherProfessor at the BTU Cottbus, Privy Council a.D., CEU Germany.

kristien ringDirector DAZ Berlin.

V. VENUE Geodätenstand, main building, TU-Berlin

CONTENTS

I.- Lines to Obere Stadtspree on Problems,

Possibilities and Visions to the following nine Key-

topics: Social, Cultural, Local, Spatial, Economical,

Ecological, Public/Private, River based approach,

Stakeholders. Including a three round dialogs

session: Keynotes, lectures & Discussions with

stakeholders, planning ministry and planners on

Problems, Possibilities and Visions.

Students Groups:

1.- Social

2.- Cultural

3.- Local

4.- Spatial

5.- Economical

6.- Ecological

7.- Public Private:

8.- River Based Approach:

9.- Stakeholders

CONTENTS



Debut Workshop25.10. – 29.10.2010

SOCIAL ASPECTS

GROUP MEMBERS: Renata Goretti, Urban Management (Architect); Aline Delatte, Urban Management (Civil engenieer) ; Simona Benedetti, Architecture (Architect); Angie Garita, PUC Chile (Architect); Zhao Xinghua, Urban Design Dual Degree (Architect); Laura Strandt, Urban Design Dual Degree (Landscape Architect)

Image: Different requirements (Source: self-made)

SOCIAL ASPECTS / INTRODUCTION



Debut Workshop25.10. – 29.10.2010

POTENTIALS

- Interaction of People of all generations and interests

- Interaction of Neigbourhoods in all directions

- Feeling of the river

- Green area along the west side of the wall

- Oberbaum City

- Vacant places – meeting points

- Schlesisches Tor U-Bahn Station

- Badeschiff

- The river as a meeting point

- Integrator of Neighbourhoods

- Molecule Mann

- Tourism and daily workers

- Day and night life

- Beaches (SPREE 2011)

SOCIAL ASPECTS / POTENTIALS

Image: Badeschiff (Source: http://www.locr.com/photo-germany-berlin-berlin-eichenstra%C3%9Fe-4-13209803, 10 /29 /2010, 2.38pm)Image: Molecule Man (Source: http://belegtesbro.wordpress.com/, 10 /29 /2010, 2.40pm)



Debut Workshop25.10. – 29.10.2010

Image: “Mediaspree” opposers (Source: http://www.spreeufer-fuer-alle.de/Presse/Bilder.html, 10 /29 /2010, 3.41pm) Image: Access and bright prospects?! (Source: http://stralau.in-berlin.de/blog/2008/07/, 10 /29 /2010, 3.54pm)

PROBLEMS

- No permanent activities

- No everyday activities

- No access to the River Spree

- River as a clear boundary

- Not enough possiblities to cross the river

- The backs of the buildings face the river

- Not many attractions / services

- Perspective blocked by the wall

- Neighbourhoods are independent

- Activities do not integrate people

- People do not feel connected to the river

- Security problems

- No lightening

- Citizen were not too involved to “Mediaspree in the beginning”

SOCIAL ASPECTS / PROBLEMS



Debut Workshop25.10. – 29.10.2010

VISIONS

- Seeing and feeling the river

- Easy access to the river

- Easy crossing of the river

- Integration between both banks

- Continuous connexion for pedestrian and bike betwenn Mitte and Treptower Park

- Encourage people to stay there (Tourists, Locals, Workers, O2 Spectators)

- 24-hours Mixed-Uses/Activities(sports, children entertainement, services, shops, night life...)

Image: Accesses Image: Potzdamer Platz, BerlinImage: Pont des Arts, ParisImage: Miroir d‘eau, Bordeaux

SOCIAL ASPECTS / VISIONS



Debut Workshop25.10. – 29.10.2010

QUESTIONS

Problems

1) From the social perspective, how to bring development without expelling loclas?

2) Considering the Mediaspree experience, what new strategies have been developed for public participation?

Potentials

1) How much is the social part taking in consideration with new plans in the area?

Vision

1) How to overcome the district barriers which now exist because of the river Spree?

SOCIAL ASPECTS / QUESTIONS & NOTES

NOTES FROM THE DEBATE

- Integrate the local residents previous- Never finish the process and keep areas open for temporary use -> Berln is exciting because of these gaps- But also the development needs to be organized - You need investors, too -> they bring money ..- Berlin lost circa 1 million inhabitants since the 2nd word war -> “Berlin is too big for Berlin” (Ulla Luther)- Concepts should be for mixed use and there should be left space for “try and error” (Jan Dohnke) - Which social level we want to have? And we need to consider old people and children!- A completely new planning would violate the excisting structures maybe -> Thus “it is better to develop areas step by step” (Jan Dohnke)- “If laws are too srtict less investors will come <-> if laws are too loose they would destroy the urban structure.” (Takis Sgouros)- Development without gentrification and higher rents? -> difficult to plan for public without public funds..- “You can`t plan creativity” (Takis Sgouros)- There needs to be more influence for citizens -> “More information earlier, but also there have to be a seriously participation of citizens.” (Jan Dohnke)- “One or two bridges would not solve the problems...” (Takis Sgouros)- “It would be nice to have a new urban boulevard” (Ulla Luther)- Develop the surrounding neighbourhoods to develop the center (Jan Dohnke)- But still the sixty-four-dollar question: How to manage the private and public needs?- “The concept is the most important .“ (Takis Sgouros)- Social projects? -> “Then they have to be realistic and financially feasible.” (Takis Sgouros)



Debut Workshop25.10. – 29.10.2010

RESEARCH TOPIC: CULTURAL ASPECTSGROUP MEMBERS: Marco Capitanio Urban Design Dual Degree (Bachelor Architecture); Ingrid Cornejo, Urban Management (Bachelor Architecture); Anke von der Heide, Urban Design Dual Degree (Diplom Designer); Christopher Knappe, Master Stadt und Regionalplanung (Bachelor Stadt und Regionalplanung); Guanyu Sun, Urban Design Dual Degree (Bachelor Architecture); Christian Valenzuela Abdala, Master Urban Planning (Master Architecture)

CULTURAL ASPECTS / INTRODUCTION

Temporary Users

Natural Cultural Recorces

Business Area

Residencial Area



Debut Workshop25.10. – 29.10.2010


INTRODUCTION

The Obere Stadtspree quarter is the result of complex historical layers: four municipalities are meeting along the river Spree, Friedrichshain, Kreuzberg, Mitte and Treptow. Not only is the river a natural boundary but also history split this area into East and West Berlin, first politically and from 1961 to 1989 physical as well with the construction of the Wall.

Recognizing the peculiarities of each quarter, its identity and “Stimmung” seems a fundamental need of future developments: we will now focus specifically on the cultural aspects of the Obere Stadtspree.

We think that the already existing socio-cultural structure is a potential and an attraction both for local inhabitants, the tourist industry and future investorsinterested in development along the Spree.

The peculiar urban landscape that can be found is partly derived from the existence of the Wall, the former presence of the Osthafen, the East harbor ofBerlin and its historical buildings and industrial relics, the new, only partly realized Mediaspree buildings...

From international experience we see that a mixture of uses is a desirable aspiration: international investors and local needs, touristic attractions and low-profile activities, services and light-industrial functions could result in a lively Oberespree community.

A compact history:

1913 - Opening of the Osthafen, the new industrial harbor, replacing the former Urbanhaven at the intersection with the Landwehrkanal.

In 1923 with the construction of Westhafen the harbor lost progressively importance.

1949 - Political division between GDR and GFR, East and West Berlin.

1961 - Construction of the Wall and physical division.

1989 - Fall of the Wall and successive German reunification.

2000s - Projects for the “media” development along the Spree, Mediaspree

2008 - Successful public vote against the project



Debut Workshop25.10. – 29.10.2010

POTENTIALS

1.the sub culture movement taking place in this area combined or a sponsor for the exiting international globe investors such as MTV, Universial ,and hotel ,ect ... 2.The local culture and its peculiar aspects such as the gardening (schrebergarten),and the image or character of the neighbourhood as a result of it 3.The lifestyle and boundary atmosphere of the neighbourhood somehow kept or frozen bythe culture and physical fence surrounding it

CULTURAL ASPECTS / POTENTIALS



Debut Workshop25.10. – 29.10.2010

PROBLEMS

It can be noted that towards the inner quarters there is a consolidated social and cultural structure: from a quick visit to the site we found cultural centers, communal gardens and quarter and local activities. This has then no connection with functions on the river banks, since they are partly developed by international companies and former industrial uses.

On of the main attempt for a future planning would be to “sue”, or at least to mix this to cultural worlds: what happens when global interests represented by multination companies meet with the local needs?

The area then has strongly characterized image, internationally renown, for party-goers and night-life fans. Here arises a particular contradiction: this special atmosphere resulted from a lack of planning, or the so-called “Zwischennutzung”, a temporary and more or less informal use on vacant plots of land.

A book published in 2009, “Lost and Sound: Berlin, Techno und der Easyjetset” defined the enthusiastic international party-crew as the “Easyjetset”, flying toBerlin, staying a weekend and flying back. What will happen under more precise planning rules and design attempts?

An attention towards “Zwischennutzung” seems necessary to keep at certain grade the existing and attractive image of the area.

CULTURAL ASPECTS / PROBLEMS



Debut Workshop25.10. – 29.10.2010




Debut Workshop25.10. – 29.10.2010

VISIONS

At first, here live different kinds of people, they have different culture and background, they also have different jobs, therefore, their living radius mixed because of their individual activities. Is there any possibility to transform this kind of mixture cultural-wise? Here also gatherd many young people, they might come from Paris or London, they all have a same target, they just want to come and enjoy the bear and underground music here. Many clubs opened and the buildings are too shabby, and used for temporary, the walls are full of doodles. At the same time we are also thinking that it might be possible to attract more investors, their actions might promote the development of the special culture in this area, but also they may destroy the atmosphere in this district. Meanwhile we should also let the owners know their responsibilities towards the social, thus give the inhabitants more public space in this harbour area. -Administrative organizations should prepare a support program which will evoluate the cultural structure without destroying the character of the area.

High-line New York, Puerto Madero

CULTURAL ASPECTS / VISIONS



Debut Workshop25.10. – 29.10.2010

QUESTIONS

How to take profit of the existing local culture and integrate it into the planning process? (gardening)

How economical important is the tourist industry for the area and the city?Should this area remain attractive to the international “Easy Jet set”?

Is it possible to create a suitable cultural mixture between international global investors and local peculiar aspects?

Might it be for example possible to win international global investors as sponsors for local improvements cultural and social wise?

CULTURAL ASPECTS / QUESTIONS & NOTES


“Zwischennutzung” was particularly addressed by Herr Nagel: it is a peculiarity of the city of Berlin indeed, and as such it deserves much attention. It is needed for the Obere Stadtspree a general concept, but not a complete and fully developed masterplan. Developing such a huge area takes many decades and it makes sense to slow down the process, rather than speed it up. A sustainability in economic terms is crucial to assure the success of future developments: this is true also for the cultural aspects, with a mixture between established institution (e.g. museums) as well as temporary, “underground” cultural expressions. The constrains of time and the scale of land is important.

The smaller a cell becomes, the better to connect places and the better the mixture of facilities. If you plan in too big scales it might be possible to reduce the local situation and life. Another point was that we need to mix night and day life in a healthy way to create a mix of generations.

OBERE STADTSPREE

Debut Workshop25.10. – 29.10.2010

RESEARCH TOPIC : LOCAL

GROUP MEMBERS: Sang Hyun Jeon, Urban Management, Hwon Yoon, Urban Management, Jorge Ampuero, Master of Urban Project, Chille, (Architect), Feng Wanyao, Master Urban Design (Dual Degree ), Sun Junhua, Master Urban Design (Dual Degree ), Yan Jia, Master Urban Design (Dual Degree ), Launay Angèle, Master Architectur (Erasmus student).

Image: Caption

LOCAL / INTRODUCTION

OBERE STADTSPREE

Debut Workshop25.10. – 29.10.2010

POTENTIALS

• Capacity of the local people to imagine different usages in a same place, which is a free-space, especially depends on the time and the season.

• Shinnig places; like offices, cultural center, sport center and the most historical sites

• The importance of the element “WATER” as natural landscape in different climate

• Important geografical point for the city berlin and the 4 districts (F-hains, X-berg, Mitte, Treptow-Kopenick) who crossroad there.

LOCAL / POTENTIALSImage: 24h usage of the site

The site is a succession of different usages and functionnal sequences. It’s possible for the multiplicity of people who are coming into the site to create their own 24 hours senario. People could build the link between the many free-spaces and the monothematical places. A 24hours usage have to be developpe in the cross of a local and a global visions, in order to made working the mixity and the flexibility of the site.

OBERE STADTSPREE

Debut Workshop25.10. – 29.10.2010

Separation

With the reunification of Berlin, local areas around River spree had undergone rapid changes. Especially, Kreuzberg had emerged as a specialized cultural area for various artists, young people. Furthermore, various people have various nationalities and various cultural backgrounds are merged to this area. Although districts around river Spree had unified, some significant separations derived from river Spree itself. • Cultural separation • Spatial separation

Due to the various interests concerned in these areas such as governors, urban designers, investors, land owners and residents. However, the development is led to the separated situation. It is the subject how to regulate development of these areas, furthermore, it’s the subject how to develop or how to preserve these areas, too.

In addition, people not only low income class but high income class are merged to this area. They made some segregations between these two social classes. It looks that these distinctions transfomed to differences among facades of buildings in this area.

However, identity of local area would be made by cultural images, spatial images and people, these problems blur the identity of this local area.

LOCAL / PROBLEMS

OBERE STADTSPREE

Debut Workshop25.10. – 29.10.2010

LOCAL / VISIONS

VISIONS

1.Sight Corridor People walk alone the river could feel the activity of other side from the well designed empty space between buildings, and vice versa. In that way, the riverside area is becoming an atractive center as a whole.

2. Multi function in local buildingsIn both sides of the spree river there exist a lot of local buidings which fade away with the time flying. We could implant new dynamic and various fouctions to attract different kind of people to stay there in different time of the 24 hours.

3. Temporary buildings in empty spaceThere is a piece of empty space along the river which is not well designed and fully used. The pubs and clubs there are not known by the public, so that locals and travellers won’t stay there in the daytime. In our opinion, temporary using buildings can creat diversity spaces there in order to let the place be more public to attract people stay there in daytime but not just pass by.

Image: Sight corridorImage: Multi fuction in local buildingsImage: Temporary using buildings

OBERE STADTSPREE

Debut Workshop25.10. – 29.10.2010

Question 1. There are too many identities existing in the area, how can you integrate them into new competitive identity?Notes from the debateWell, firstly we have made lot of physical planning work, such as rethink about the river as well as riverside. Especially we also focused on the participation through the entire project. Different people who come from different cultures got different opinions, and it seems that the process like integration and mixture of multi-identities.Yes, we would say it could be possible to mix the different culture as identities. It still needs long way to go to make proper policies and the clear presentations to let the citizens to get to understand the process as well as new identities.

Question 2.How could we keep or make the better balance between limited usage-buildings and free-spaces where people could imagine temporary and different functions depends on the time and the seasons?Notes of the debateBerlin is a geographical and political crossroad in Europe, with inverse poblem as Paris or London or as we see, Main city as Santiago in Chile. There is too much free-spaces for too less people. However Berlin is cleaver, poor and sexy, people come to learn, but can’t stay to work. In order to maintain the talent people who could be able to enrich the city . The balance could be keeped if people are agree to appropriate them other place in Berlin, and new designed places. Berlin have other free space, like Tempelhof where is a temporary park now. What is difficult is to remember that temporary places for people, espacially after few year, since it is just for a limited time.

LOCAL / QUESTIONS & NOTES

Could it be that the Spree River a contradictional scale, to little as global vision, and not enough board for the local people? It’s in the theory possible to enlarge in some place the river in free-spaces?Well, it’s possible. But it’ s just like all the other projects, you have to be on the cross vision of local and global, and keep the interest of the investisor.

Question 3.To realistic the 24 hours program, could we put some creative studios and other functions there to attract people in different period of time?

Notes from the debateWell, it could be possible. But creative business cannot be designed. It will grow up as it will because of the specialist. The designer cannot design it at first, and even cannot foresee its success or not. It is one of the problems here. Secondly, what kind of function should be put in the area is another question and a lot of research is quite necessary. You should make an open discussion with the locals and show them the research and the plan. When the local public involved, they can provide their own ideas which will be very helpful for you to find the right way.

Image: first site analysis

OBERE STADTSPREE

Debut Workshop25.10. – 29.10.2010

SPATIAL ASPECTS

GROUP MEMBERS: Anthony Guadagni, Urban Management (BS Geology); Hyun-jin Shin, Urban Design Dual Degree (Interior Architecture ); Wentao Zheng, Urban Design Dual Degree (Architecture); Heng Zhang, Urban Design Dual Degree (Architecture); Yassine Moustanjidi, Urban Design Dual Degree (Architecture); Yuley Fernandes, Architecture; Elnur Abbasov, Administrate Management.

Spatial, Potential and Limitation

SPATIAL ASPECTS / INTRODUCTION

OBERE STADTSPREE

Debut Workshop25.10. – 29.10.2010

POTENTIALS

Natural Landscape: The Spree provides a natural landscape that cannot be synthetically replicated. It is simultaneously serene, powerful, historic; in a word intriguing to Berliners and world travelers alike. It is, in itself, a greater attraction than any existing or future development along its banks. The Obere StadtSpree displays several physical attributes that make it a prime location for redevelopment. It is the widest, straightest stretch of the river within Berlin proper, thereby providing unimpeded views of the city center to the west and of the bygone era of early industrialization to the east.

Location: The Obere StadtSpree is central to four of Berlin’s most vibrant and densely populated neighborhoods: Mitte to the north, Kreuzberg to the west, Friedrichshain to the east and Treptow to the south. The population surrounding the river is sufficient to support the influx of business attracted by the prospect of redevelopment and will benefit tremendously from the associated increase in public land along and adjacent to the waterfront. Public transportation from points east and west is adequate to serve the as an artery to the rest of the city.

Development: The varied history of land use along the Obere StadtSpree has provided the region with unique prospects for redevelopment. Initially developed during the early industrial era, the banks are lined with large formerly industrial buildings and warehouses that can be modernized while still maintaining a semblance of regional identity. As the Obere StadtSpree lies in the shadow of the wall, the former ‘no man’s land’ along the east

bank provides an excellent locale for public use. A large number of undeveloped lots remain from when the Obere StadtSpree was an area to be avoided.

History: The east bank of the Spree to the north of the Ober Baumbrücke is home to the largest remaining stretch of the Berlin Wall. The East Side Gallery is one of Berlin’s most visited tourist attractions and will continue to draw visitors numbering in the hundreds of thousands annually.

SPATIAL ASPECTS / POTENTIALSImage: Undeveloped Property

OBERE STADTSPREE

Debut Workshop25.10. – 29.10.2010

Image: restricted access

PROBLEMS

Accessibility: The largest problem facing the development of the Obere StadtSpree is the limited waterfront access. In its current configuration, the Spree is the region’s singular draw; however, the large, privately held blocks provide little in the way of a physical or visual connection to the water. In short, it is quite likely that a visitor unfamiliar with the local geography could pass within a block of the Spree without being aware of its proximity. Physical access is limited by a number of man-made features that impede access from all directions. Access from the north is cut-off by the Wall and the above ground train tracks stretching from Warschauer Straβe to Ostbahnhof; the south bank is limited by privately held properties developed directly on the water front. In the few areas where water front access is possible, the Spree is uninviting. The river is lined by vertical concrete flood banks extending approximately one and one-half meters above mean water level. The flood banks do serve an important function, but act as barrier to those seeking recreation along the river and pose a safety hazard.

Fragmentation: The Obere StadtSpree suffers from a lack of connectivity between its north and south banks. Four bridges span the Spree In the 3.7 kilometers between Jannowitzbrücke and Elsenbrücke. While these adequately serve vehicular traffic, pedestrians are unlikely to walk the long distances required to cross the river. The result is residential populace relegated to their side of the river and isolated from whatever benefit lies on the other.

SPATIAL ASPECTS / PROBLEMS

OBERE STADTSPREE

Debut Workshop25.10. – 29.10.2010

VISIONS

Increased Access: The region would benefit tremendously from increased public and semi-public access. A water front esplanade running the length of the Obere StadtSpree would provide a recreational area that would serve a large number of residents. Additionally, a waterfront esplanade would create easier pedestrian access to the business and residences within several blocks of the Spree. Physical and visual connection could perhaps be best provided by the implementation of standardized building codes mandating the subdivision of large lots into smaller parcels and requiring a minimum setback from the water to provide sufficient land for public use.

Common Identity: The Obere StadtSpree should have a singular identity defined by the water, rather then merely be the border between other neighborhoods. The identity should spread to the areas around the river and can be facilitated by increased physical and visual access to the water. In the areas where conventional physical and visual connectivity with the river is not possible, alternative methods should be taken to remind visitors of their proximity to the water. Architecture should be vaguely reminiscent of water; walkways should meander rather than run in straight lines; artwork should be aquatic without being obtuse.

Urban Destination: The Obere StadtSpree will become an urban destination. Weary urbanites will have a tranquil refuge to enjoy at weeks end; busy business people will have the fine dining with an international ambiance; young folks can enjoy the vibrant nightlife. The final results will be a varied landscape that is attractive 24-hours per day in all seasons.Image: Sketches depicting reclaimation of waterfront

SPATIAL ASPECTS / VISIONS

OBERE STADTSPREE

Debut Workshop25.10. – 29.10.2010

QUESTIONS

• What is an appropriate balance between new development with modern amenities and maintenance of historical structures?

• How can urban planners ad designers meld the interests of private property owner with the overall benefit to the city?

• Is the current transportation infrastructure running north-south along the Spree adequate to support the increased traffic associated with redevelopment?

• How will the water itself be utilized as a multi-use area?

SPATIAL ASPECTS / QUESTIONS & NOTES


• Proposed setback from the river for new development is 10m

• Development of a waterfront promenade is considered of high importance

• The goal is not to develop all open plots simultaneously; gaps in the urban fabric create the feeling of an exciting, dynamic city

• Focus on social and economical sustainability

• Landscape design of public spaces should facilitate year-round usage

• Development over the water itself cannot interfere with aquatic traffic; no other restrictions exist on development within the waerway



Debut Workshop25.10. – 29.10.2010

ECONOMIC ASPECTS

GROUP MEMBERS: Ulrich Pappenberger, Urban Design (B.Sc. Urban and Regional Planning); Sebastian Roßius, Urban Design Dual Degree (B.Sc. Urban Planning); Emilio Berrios, Urban Management (Diploma Architecture); Edwin Linderkamp, Urban Management (B.A. Business Management Economics); Jose Reyes, Guest Student (Diploma Economist)

Image: Scale of Plots

ECONOMIC ASPECTS / INTRODUCTION



Debut Workshop25.10. – 29.10.2010

POTENTIALSAs a potential we can recognize these issues:

- Under used space: considering Berlin’s special situation, in the area are several different empty spaces that could potentially be used. Even though most of the land was sold, the construction phase has not been developed, so it’s a potential area for land usage.

- Uninhabited waterfront: most of the river’s border can be used for housing, which means, from a physical point of view that the change process is easier to resolve and public space could be considered or developed in this area.

- Comparable cheap land: in comparison with others big cities and their waterfronts in Europe, this land is inexpensive, as well as the interior parts of the city.- Three different potential areas to develop:

- Northwest: big empty plots without a waterfront- Southwest: fragmented area with medium sized plots and partially occupied by old big buildings and factories. There is a direct waterfront.- Northeast: medium plot area, directly along the waterfront.

- Increasing rent and land prices: good for owner investors and to activate the development process.

- Local economic activities: several different local economic activities exist in the neighborhoods, which could be used to develop the area, such as: restaurants, cafes, bars, clubs, fashion designers, little shops, tourism, etc.

ECONOMIC ASPECTS / POTENTIALS

Image 1: Potential Areas Image 2: Under-used spaceImage 3: Local economic activities



Debut Workshop25.10. – 29.10.2010

Image 1: “Spreeufer versenken!”Image 2: Demonstrations

PROBLEMSFrom an economic point of view the main problem is the peoples resistance to the development of an urban project in the area. The inhabitants were able to stop the “Mediaspree” investment and that caused the reluctance from the investor’s side. Currently there is no certainty about the ongoing developments in the area, so investors are trying to avoid any risk, and will not invest anymore money there.

Another problem is the fragmentation of the land ownership. There is not only one owner, instead there are many of them. So in the case of developing a large urban complex the investors would have to negotiate with a lot of people. This may not only be problematic for the investors, also for the local authorities in the case of trying to provide certain infrastructure or trying to delineate integrated urban space. On top of this issue is the problem caused by the price speculation from the owners side. It seems plausible that the dis coordinated actions of all of them developed an overpriced situation, which inhibits the development of the projects in the area.

Also, currently there appears to be a phenomenon of excess supply of office rooms. The demand for them appears to be lower than expected in the case of the Postdamer Platz. The supply of offices is a central aspect of most large urban developments. This situation seems to decrease the attractiveness of the site for the investors.

Finally the area is divided in a non-integrated way since there is no bridge across the river between the Elsen and Jannowitz bridges. These bridges separate the area in a vast manner which inhibits the development of cohesionated urban designs. The consequence of this is that the attractiveness of the site is reduced for the people and the value for the investors is decreased.

ECONOMIC ASPECTS / PROBLEMS



Debut Workshop25.10. – 29.10.2010

VISIONSRelated to the problems and potentials some of the solutions that could be considered are:

- Starting with “key projects” to involve the community to gain trust. To restart the process with projects related to public space, to provide trust for the community and to get their support.

- Local based economics: local economic activities might be considered in the development as a way to provide local identity and gain community acceptance.

- Temporary uses: such as expositions or public activities could be developed in empty areas for the investors to build, but also to leave free public space to do these activities that are valuable for Berlin and the community.

- Public participation: considering the “Mediaspree” experience, public opinion must be considered at the beginning as a part of the design process. One option could be to establish focus groups with representative people from the community, to consider their desires and expectations for the area.

- Increase the transportation connections of the area: provide more connections between the river’s borders and to develop the public transportation system.

- Development of compensation strategies in public space in the area: synchronize the investor’s interests with compensation funds for public space.

ECONOMIC ASPECTS / VISIONS



Debut Workshop25.10. – 29.10.2010

QUESTIONS1- Which markets would be most attractive for the area?

2- How will you offer support to investors due to the inhabitants resistance?

2- Do you have any compensation strategies for reimbursing inhabitants?

2- How could key projects combine public participants, small scale entrepreneurs and investors?

3- How will you synchronize the timing between investors and public participants?

ECONOMIC ASPECTS / QUESTIONS & NOTES

NOTES FROM THE DEBATE1- It is necessary to consider the following activities: entertainment, business, culture and shopping. These activities must be considered from two different scales, the global and local scale. By considering big investors and local economic activities, it is very important to support these local activities. Also it is necessary to consider housing to create or increase markets for these activities and to bring life to the public space.

This issue is related to the size of a plot. Big investors are more interested in big plots to control the development, while local or minor investors are interested more in small ones, because they don’t have the financial means for big ones.

2- The investors are cautious because of the “Mediaspree” experience, even though most of the land was sold. A good option will be to develop and build the infrastructure and public space in the beginning. This helps provide a proof of interest to the government for developing the area and to define the scenery for private development. At the same time you will ensure that the community will obtain new valuable public space.

3- There must be discussions with the community before investors arrive. The process must be transparent and accessible in every step of the planned development. It is the government or local authority’s task to prepare the contents for the community participation, so that the investment process will match with the community interests.

OBERE STADTSPREE

Debut Workshop25.10. – 29.10.2010

ECOLOGICAL ASPECTS

GROUP MEMBERS: (Felipe Rojas, Architecture students (Arts), Johannes Rentsch, Urban Design Master (Landscape Architecture),Erastus Mutuku, Urban Managment (Urban & Regional Planning), Deborah Nickles, Urban Design Researchpaper (Architecture), Cécile Oberkampf, Architecture Master; Julita Skodra, Urban Managment (Architecture)

ECOLOGICAL / INTRODUCTION


Laboratory

OBERE STADTSPREE

Debut Workshop25.10. – 29.10.2010

POTENTIALS The site has a very important ecological potential.• Air : river corridor is a fresh air entrance.• Wind : a lot of wind = wind energy potential.• Sun : sun exposed area = solar energy potential.• Water : cooling down and purify the air, water

stream (strength) = hydraulic energy production, transportation, nature feeling, connection between the city center and the hinterland.

• Nature in the center of the city : the chance to feel the nature in the center of a metropolis.

• Open Space in the Center of the City, particularly in Berlin : Berliners have developed since a long time a culture of open spaces, with temporary uses, enjoying parks and empty spaces when they can.

ECOLOGICAL / POTENTIALS


Laboratory

map of solar potentials

high sun exposure

medium sun exposure

low sun exposure

OBERE STADTSPREE

Debut Workshop25.10. – 29.10.2010

ECOLOGICAL / PROBLEMS

PROBLEMS

• Noise pollution : the railway and also the road parallel to the East Side Gallery.

• Soil pollution : industries were occupying the site for a long time.

• Air pollution : big road and adjacent industries still occupy the neighborhood.

• Water pollution : big road, former industries and actual, ship transports...

• Lack of green spaces : Friedrichshain has no big open space area

• Disconnection of green spaces : river, transport system and high density of buildings are problems for the biodiversity of the city.


Laboratory

OBERE STADTSPREE

Debut Workshop25.10. – 29.10.2010

VISIONS• Purification of the water : an ecological purification

central could be an available project in economical terms but also in an ecological goal.

• Ecological leisure : a recreation park, some places to enjoy swimming in river’s water, develop the bridges for low-sustainable transportations...

• Energy production : use the natural potentials in an ecological way to produce energy (wind turbines, hydraulic electricity central)

• Natural Riverbanks or sustainable floating housings• Develop biologic food production by community

gardenings.• Think the buildings time in an ecological way : use

of the empty places, ecological way to manage the construction of a building.

ECOLOGICAL / VISIONS


Laboratory

OBERE STADTSPREE

Debut Workshop25.10. – 29.10.2010

QUESTIONS• The River Spree as a linear corridor that connects

Berlin City Center with its natural Hinterland offers a lot of important ecological potentials, for example, the transport of fresh air into the city, as well as the opportunity for the inhabitants to experience the typical river landscape of the region. Do you consider that aspect? And what is your approach or vision?

• The ecological new identity of a urban project (it could be) couldn’t be the solution to solve the conflicts between the stakeholders?

• In the foregoing process of globalization, cities are searching for a strong identity that makes them unique and attractive. The Mediaspree Project was mean to create to create such a differential, but it failed. We think that the ecological potential of this area could be an opportunity for a more radical urban project focussing on sustainability and eco-efficiency to give a new positive identity to the area and the city. Do you consider that aspect and what is your approach or vision?

• Do the sheet pile wall play a technical role for the river banks at this point of the Spree river?

ECOLOGICAL / QUESTIONS & NOTES

NOTES FROM THE DEBATETo ensure the fresh air transport to the city center, it’s important to avoid barriers (massive bridges, too much construction on the Spree) in the river corridor.One of the main points we noticed during the debate is to consider very seriously the time dimension in planning. That’s why the master plan has to stay flexible, so it could be changed but the concept could be preserved. Related to that it’s really important to think about a planning in phases because of the scale of a urban project and so the time it needs to be realized.For ecological aspects, it’s recommended to have a look at the waterfront plan.Berlin is an amphibious city that means the ground water level is located at only -2 m. Berlin is a knowledge city with a high level universities but also the city loses its students because of the lack of works and have no opportunities to apply their learnings. An ambitious project for sustainable energy development could be a way for them to apply some researches on a real site and also bring investors of this sector. In a really precise way, the straight part of the Spree between Elsenbrücke and Jannowitzbrücke is used by ships that produce waves which affect and destroy natural river bank.

IMPORTANT KEYS TO THINK ABOUT...Who owns the city?Berlin is too big for Berlin.


Laboratory



Debut Workshop25.10. – 29.10.2010

PUBLIC - PRIVATE

GROUP MEMBERS: Marcus Jeutner, Urban Design (B.sc. Urban and Regionalplanning); Seyedeh Hoda Nabavi, Urban Management (B.sc. Urban Planning & Design); Qiao Qi, Urban Design Dual Degree (B.a. Architecture); Wang Jing, Urban Design Dual Degree (B.a. Architecture); Tang Jieqiong, Urban Design Dual Degree (B.a. Architecture)

“Public” ——available without need to pay“private” ——availale only with payment

Image: Access denied

PUBLIC - PRIVATE / INTRODUCTION



Debut Workshop25.10. – 29.10.2010

POTENTIALS- Continuos waterfront space- Mixed functions to support the space

Based on the different current situations on two sides along the River Spree, we creat a system, which optimizes the potentials as well as maintaining its identity.· The Northern side:String the existing waterfront open space fragments to creat a continuos experience along the river.·The Southern side:Open up the existing void lands next to the river , and provide some indications leading people to these lands.

Win-win situation

Mix all the functions,while some of the ownersare private and some are public.· Private:Provide service and fund and gain consumers· Public:Provide consumers and gain service and fund

PUBLIC - PRIVATE / POTENTIALSImage: System of public spaceImage: Mixure of functions



Debut Workshop25.10. – 29.10.2010

Image: Current ownership of lands Image: Problems in the site

PROBLEMS- no continuity of public space, because of the different private owners- visability of the waterfront from the streets- limited access to the waterfront- for the people, often it is not clear to see, what is private and what is public- not enough functions, to act as public space- less mixture of functions- not many public spaces, that could be used in every time of the day or year

PUBLIC - PRIVATE / PROBLEMS

OW

NER

2

OW

NER

1

OW

NER

1

OW

NER

1

OW

NER

1

OW

NER

1

OW

NER

1

OW

NER

1

OW

NER

1

OW

NER

1

OW

NER

1

PUBL

IC

PUBL

IC

PUBL

IC

OW

NER

3

OW

NER

4

OW

NER

5

OW

NER

6



Debut Workshop25.10. – 29.10.2010

VISIONS- Government should obtain the property of all the lands which will be transfered to public waterfront by the means of compensation.Aim: The public get a continuos urban space along the River Spree.

- Private investors should be given concessions to build some infrastuctures in the public area,from which they can profit.Aim: Government can get enough financial supports from the private investors. And the participation of them can therefore increase the value of this area.

Some approaches to deal with the conflict between private and public.

Governments pay for part of the property from private owners and open it to the public.

Governments pay for the maintainance fee of private lands,which can be shared by the public.

Governments pay for the whole property but give back extra floor area.(e.g.Zoning in New York)

Image: Ownership-plan Image: Solutions of the conflcts

PUBLIC - PRIVATE / VISIONS

OW

NER

2

OW

NER

1

OW

NER

1

OW

NER

1

OW

NER

1

OW

NER

1

OW

NER

1

OW

NER

1

OW

NER

1

OW

NER

1

OW

NER

1

PUBL

IC

PUBL

IC

PUBL

IC

OW

NER

3

OW

NER

4

OW

NER

5

OW

NER

6



Debut Workshop25.10. – 29.10.2010

QUESTIONSThe main question is, how it is possible to create a continous space, with many different functions, that is attractive and accessible for the public?- How to deal with the problems of noise and increasing rents if we want to protect some clubs in the the neighborhood of new high-value buildings?-How is it possible to open parts of the private void spces for public functions?-How is it possible to ensure the continuity of the public space if one of some owners refuse to do this?- today this area is famous for its clubscene, the open space with lots of temporary functions, do you think “zoning in Newyork” is a useful way to incorporate public functions into private land? eg. the private owner can get extra floor area if he agree to provide some land to the public.

NOTE- Urban plan should be performed gradually with goals step by step.- As plan can only be performed gradually and maybe will be realised in many years, it is essential to fill in the space with some functions, both regular and temporary , to avoid it becoming valid.- It is the most important the quality of the space instead of the size of the space.

PUBLIC - PRIVATE / QUESTIONS & NOTES



Debut Workshop25.10. – 29.10.2010

RIVER BASED APPROACH

Xu Xinyan, Urban Design Dual Degree (Architecture) Jin Yuanyi, Urban Design Dual Degree (Architecture) Sasan Niknam, Urban Design Dual D. (Architecture)

RIVER BASED APPROACH / INTRODUCTION

Lin Xiaoli, Urban Management (Urban Planning)Poonam, Urban Management (Architecture)Larry Cortes, Architecture (Architecture)



Debut Workshop25.10. – 29.10.2010

POTENTIALS

RIVER BASED APPROACH / POTENTIALS

I - RECREATIONAL FACILITIES ALONGSIDE THE RIVER we believe the site has the potential of a variety of recreational facilities alongside the river. It has already shown that projects such as the “badeschiff” have been successfully developed and appreciated by the people, the “east side gallery” is an open art-space related to the city’s history, it is one of the main tourist destinations of berlin.due to the empty plots existing on the site, they provide a potential of recreational diversity, such as - plazas - greenery - play and sports areas - water activities

2. MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENTS

in order to create a successful urban district, we believe that mixed-use developments are of high importance. - residential - commercial - transportation



Debut Workshop25.10. – 29.10.2010

PROBLEMS

RIVER BASED APPROACH / PROBLEMS

- no accessability from land to water- no continuity for pedestrian walkway- polluted water- no defined function of the wateruses- scale: accessibility from one side to the other side is not convenient.



Debut Workshop25.10. – 29.10.2010

VISIONS

our vision to develop a mixed-use environment including residential and commercial is not the only one we are trying to develop, it is furthermore the connection of both riversides and its districts (friedrichshain in the north and kreuzberg in the south). together with the above and the fact that the distance from one bridge to the other is very large for pedestrians, we have thought of “culture islands” installed at existing and/or new bridges, that could provide an open space for a variety of uses which would be public, linked to private uses such as bars, restaurants and cafes.

RIVER BASED APPROACH / VISIONS



Debut Workshop25.10. – 29.10.2010

QUESTIONS

how much has the water been considered in the planning procedures?

the waterfront is attractive and mostly used in the summer, how can it be treated in the winter?have the season changes been taken to consideration?

regarding mixed-use bridges, platforms, structures and activities in the water, are there any limitations regarding use, traffic and boundaries?

there is a limitation of pedestrian movement alongside the river, by constant changes of built and non built areas (private properties).how can we solve this issue?

RIVER BASED APPROACH / QUESTIONS & NOTES


during the debate some questions have been answered and clarified.

as of june 2008 it is not allowed to build any additional bridges to the site.

there are no regulations in the use of water, as long as a decent space is provided for the traffic of the river. this means platforms, walkways etc. could be added to the waterbank. by doing this, continuous movement alongside the spree could be realized.



Debut Workshop25.10. – 29.10.2010

STAKEHOLDERSGROUP MEMBERS: ROSAMA WATY Bach. Urban and Regional Planner (Urban Management) SAMANA THAMASEBI Bach. Buisness Management (Urban Management) MARIA CECILIA DE CAVALIRO RODRIGUES Bach.Social Science ( Urban Management) ADAM ODGERS Bsd. Architecture (Urban Design Sino-Dual) MAXIMILIAN ZELLER Bach. Architecture (Urban Design Sino-Dual)

the Stakeholdersthe Stakeholders

“A person, group, or organization that

has a direct or indirect stake in an entity

because it can be affected (directly or

indirectly) by the entity.”

- business dictionary-.

1 - Government - State/City/Politicians

2 - Business - Owners/Land Owners/Employers

3 - Residents - on Spree, on site, near to site

4 - Investors - local/regional/national/international

5 - Visitors - Tourists/Employees/Customers

Image: Caption

STAKEHOLDERS / INTRODUCTION



Debut Workshop25.10. – 29.10.2010

POTENTIALS

Economical -These are the interests of inhabitants concerned with living costs as well as the interests of the state for tax revenues and the general wish for the economic prosperity of investors and business owners.

Historical -The interest in preserving both the built and unbuit historical legacy.

Environmental -The need and desire to maintain a healthly and ecologically friendly lifestyle.

Social -The combined interests of the citizens relating to daily social life, sense of community, quality of life, and sustainable gentrification.

Cultural -The interest in supporting and maintaining opportunities for cultural and sub-cultural identity.

Political -The influence of politically-movitated entities on the inhabitants and their activities.

Emotional -The fears, wishes, angers and all other peronsal feelings towards development.

Recreational -The shared interests in leisure activities.

STAKEHOLDERS/ POTENTIALS

the Potential Interests

Economical

Historical

Environmental

Social

Cultural

Political

Emotional

Recreational

the Stakeholders

1 - Government

2 - Business

3 - Residents

4 - Investors

5 - Visitors

Image: Caption



Debut Workshop25.10. – 29.10.2010

the Problems…

…occur when various groups have conflicting interests - differing perceptions of quality, aesthetics, size, scale - differing views on how the Spree should be used - differing views on function

Image: CaptionImage: CaptionImage: Caption

PROBLEMSDespite the various stakeholders having common interests, differing perceptions regarding the interests tend to create conflict.

STAKEHOLDERS / PROBLEMS



Debut Workshop25.10. – 29.10.2010

QUESTIONS:

Questions (Wednesday):What are the needs/wants/expectations of the Stakeholders?Does the city consider it a viable option to simply do nothing on the site?Are residents willing to actively participate in the development process?How can the voices of the various stakeholders be balanced and fairly considered?How can ideas about how the area should be developed be turned into reality?Is a clearly defined city plan important?

Questions (Thursday):1a. How does the city respond to citizens interested in “doing nothing” on the site?1b. How are planners responding to local stakeholders?

2. How can we develop a “plan” with stakeholders participating effectively while learning to trust each other?

3. How can we channel the energy of the different stakeholders into something creative and productive? Example: The Highline, NYC

Image: CaptionImage: Caption

STAKEHOLDERS / QUESTIONS



Debut Workshop25.10. – 29.10.2010

NOTES FROM THE DEBATE:

-It will be important for us to complete empirical research on the stakeholders themselves.-There is a forum that already exists called “Stadtforum”-Maybe a strategic plan can be developed as an alternative to a “Clearly Defined” plan-How can the people with the smallest voice be included?

-Utta Luther lecture: WaterfrontsMost waterfronts are incomparable to Berlin because they are much larger, are related to a harbor, are related to the sea, and are in former industrial areas

Rainer Nagel: Berlin-Berlin hast 3.4 million inhabitants, 2.1 West, 1.3 East-Berlin is a capital of knowledge with 140,000 Students-There is no official Masterplan for Berlin

10 points to successful Urban Design

STAKEHOLDEERS / NOTES

-Intermediate Users – in the case of Mediapsree were important but not included in the planning proces.-As a result, places are maintained for intermediate/temporary users-The excitement of Berlin is due in part to its intermediate users-Mediaspree should control the development-Gentrification can be positive-Berlin lost 1 milllion inhabitats since WWII-For design project, the views and Sun movement during the year, need to be considered.

-Minimize/Address the conflict amongst intermediate users-the inhabitants feel dominated by private interests-copy/paste of local life from one context to another is merely reducing the culture to consumerism-the resistance was not about media/ecology or a sort of “brand” it was about a lack of transparency in the process-mediaspree – not about bottom-up development, but about top-down. This results in fear and a lack of trust.-how combine new proposals with the already-existing demands from the neighborhood.



Debut Workshop25.10. – 29.10.2010

SOCIAL ASPECTS

GROUP MEMBERS: Renata Goretti, Urban Management (Architect); Aline Delatte, Urban Management (Civil engenieer) ; Simona Benedetti, Architecture (Architect); Angie Garita, PUC Chile (Architect); Zhao Xinghua, Urban Design Dual Degree (Architect); Laura Strandt, Urban Design Dual Degree (Landscape Architect)

Image: Different requirements (Source: self-made)

SOCIAL ASPECTS / INTRODUCTION



Debut Workshop25.10. – 29.10.2010

POTENTIALS

- Interaction of People of all generations and interests

- Interaction of Neigbourhoods in all directions

- Feeling of the river

- Green area along the west side of the wall

- Oberbaum City

- Vacant places – meeting points

- Schlesisches Tor U-Bahn Station

- Badeschiff

- The river as a meeting point

- Integrator of Neighbourhoods

- Molecule Mann

- Tourism and daily workers

- Day and night life

- Beaches (SPREE 2011)

SOCIAL ASPECTS / POTENTIALS

Image: Badeschiff (Source: http://www.locr.com/photo-germany-berlin-berlin-eichenstra%C3%9Fe-4-13209803, 10 /29 /2010, 2.38pm)Image: Molecule Man (Source: http://belegtesbro.wordpress.com/, 10 /29 /2010, 2.40pm)



Debut Workshop25.10. – 29.10.2010

Image: “Mediaspree” opposers (Source: http://www.spreeufer-fuer-alle.de/Presse/Bilder.html, 10 /29 /2010, 3.41pm) Image: Access and bright prospects?! (Source: http://stralau.in-berlin.de/blog/2008/07/, 10 /29 /2010, 3.54pm)

PROBLEMS

- No permanent activities

- No everyday activities

- No access to the River Spree

- River as a clear boundary

- Not enough possiblities to cross the river

- The backs of the buildings face the river

- Not many attractions / services

- Perspective blocked by the wall

- Neighbourhoods are independent

- Activities do not integrate people

- People do not feel connected to the river

- Security problems

- No lightening

- Citizen were not too involved to “Mediaspree in the beginning”

SOCIAL ASPECTS / PROBLEMS



Debut Workshop25.10. – 29.10.2010

VISIONS

- Seeing and feeling the river

- Easy access to the river

- Easy crossing of the river

- Integration between both banks

- Continuous connexion for pedestrian and bike betwenn Mitte and Treptower Park

- Encourage people to stay there (Tourists, Locals, Workers, O2 Spectators)

- 24-hours Mixed-Uses/Activities(sports, children entertainement, services, shops, night life...)

Image: Accesses Image: Potzdamer Platz, BerlinImage: Pont des Arts, ParisImage: Miroir d‘eau, Bordeaux

SOCIAL ASPECTS / VISIONS



Debut Workshop25.10. – 29.10.2010

QUESTIONS

Problems

1) From the social perspective, how to bring development without expelling loclas?

2) Considering the Mediaspree experience, what new strategies have been developed for public participation?

Potentials

1) How much is the social part taking in consideration with new plans in the area?

Vision

1) How to overcome the district barriers which now exist because of the river Spree?

SOCIAL ASPECTS / QUESTIONS & NOTES


- Integrate the local residents previous- Never finish the process and keep areas open for temporary use -> Berln is exciting because of these gaps- But also the development needs to be organized - You need investors, too -> they bring money ..- Berlin lost circa 1 million inhabitants since the 2nd word war -> “Berlin is too big for Berlin” (Ulla Luther)- Concepts should be for mixed use and there should be left space for “try and error” (Jan Dohnke) - Which social level we want to have? And we need to consider old people and children!- A completely new planning would violate the excisting structures maybe -> Thus “it is better to develop areas step by step” (Jan Dohnke)- “If laws are too srtict less investors will come <-> if laws are too loose they would destroy the urban structure.” (Takis Sgouros)- Development without gentrification and higher rents? -> difficult to plan for public without public funds..- “You can`t plan creativity” (Takis Sgouros)- There needs to be more influence for citizens -> “More information earlier, but also there have to be a seriously participation of citizens.” (Jan Dohnke)- “One or two bridges would not solve the problems...” (Takis Sgouros)- “It would be nice to have a new urban boulevard” (Ulla Luther)- Develop the surrounding neighbourhoods to develop the center (Jan Dohnke)- But still the sixty-four-dollar question: How to manage the private and public needs?- “The concept is the most important .“ (Takis Sgouros)- Social projects? -> “Then they have to be realistic and financially feasible.” (Takis Sgouros)



Debut Workshop25.10. – 29.10.2010

RESEARCH TOPIC: CULTURAL ASPECTSGROUP MEMBERS: Marco Capitanio Urban Design Dual Degree (Bachelor Architecture); Ingrid Cornejo, Urban Management (Bachelor Architecture); Anke von der Heide, Urban Design Dual Degree (Diplom Designer); Christopher Knappe, Master Stadt und Regionalplanung (Bachelor Stadt und Regionalplanung); Guanyu Sun, Urban Design Dual Degree (Bachelor Architecture); Christian Valenzuela Abdala, Master Urban Planning (Master Architecture)


Temporary Users

Natural Cultural Recorces

Business Area

Residencial Area



Debut Workshop25.10. – 29.10.2010


INTRODUCTION

The Obere Stadtspree quarter is the result of complex historical layers: four municipalities are meeting along the river Spree, Friedrichshain, Kreuzberg, Mitte and Treptow. Not only is the river a natural boundary but also history split this area into East and West Berlin, first politically and from 1961 to 1989 physical as well with the construction of the Wall.

Recognizing the peculiarities of each quarter, its identity and “Stimmung” seems a fundamental need of future developments: we will now focus specifically on the cultural aspects of the Obere Stadtspree.

We think that the already existing socio-cultural structure is a potential and an attraction both for local inhabitants, the tourist industry and future investorsinterested in development along the Spree.

The peculiar urban landscape that can be found is partly derived from the existence of the Wall, the former presence of the Osthafen, the East harbor ofBerlin and its historical buildings and industrial relics, the new, only partly realized Mediaspree buildings...

From international experience we see that a mixture of uses is a desirable aspiration: international investors and local needs, touristic attractions and low-profile activities, services and light-industrial functions could result in a lively Oberespree community.

A compact history:

1913 - Opening of the Osthafen, the new industrial harbor, replacing the former Urbanhaven at the intersection with the Landwehrkanal.

In 1923 with the construction of Westhafen the harbor lost progressively importance.

1949 - Political division between GDR and GFR, East and West Berlin.

1961 - Construction of the Wall and physical division.

1989 - Fall of the Wall and successive German reunification.

2000s - Projects for the “media” development along the Spree, Mediaspree

2008 - Successful public vote against the project



Debut Workshop25.10. – 29.10.2010

POTENTIALS

1.the sub culture movement taking place in this area combined or a sponsor for the exiting international globe investors such as MTV, Universial ,and hotel ,ect ... 2.The local culture and its peculiar aspects such as the gardening (schrebergarten),and the image or character of the neighbourhood as a result of it 3.The lifestyle and boundary atmosphere of the neighbourhood somehow kept or frozen bythe culture and physical fence surrounding it

CULTURAL ASPECTS / POTENTIALS



Debut Workshop25.10. – 29.10.2010

PROBLEMS

It can be noted that towards the inner quarters there is a consolidated social and cultural structure: from a quick visit to the site we found cultural centers, communal gardens and quarter and local activities. This has then no connection with functions on the river banks, since they are partly developed by international companies and former industrial uses.

On of the main attempt for a future planning would be to “sue”, or at least to mix this to cultural worlds: what happens when global interests represented by multination companies meet with the local needs?

The area then has strongly characterized image, internationally renown, for party-goers and night-life fans. Here arises a particular contradiction: this special atmosphere resulted from a lack of planning, or the so-called “Zwischennutzung”, a temporary and more or less informal use on vacant plots of land.

A book published in 2009, “Lost and Sound: Berlin, Techno und der Easyjetset” defined the enthusiastic international party-crew as the “Easyjetset”, flying toBerlin, staying a weekend and flying back. What will happen under more precise planning rules and design attempts?

An attention towards “Zwischennutzung” seems necessary to keep at certain grade the existing and attractive image of the area.
