ULAP Square Berlin-Mitte

With the redesign, the triangle of ULAP-Platz, an almost accidentally created "residual area", is once again a striking urban space in the immediate vicinity of Berlin's main railway station, giving the newly emerging urban quarter in the center of Berlin an independent identity. At the same time, the site looks back on an eventful history.
Initially conceived as a provisional arrangement, an exhibition site called "Universum-Landes-Ausstellungs-Park", or ULAP for short, was established at the end of the 19th century between Lehrter Bahnhof, Alt-Moabit and Invalidenstraße. Until shortly before the beginning of the First World War, the major exhibitions on trade, hygiene, art and technology were held here.
In World War II, the exhibition buildings were severely damaged during a bombing raid in November 1943 and demolished in 1951. Woody plants gradually grew up, especially in the eastern part of the site, giving rise to a forest-like stand of trees in the area of the former entrance square and the flight of steps. The remaining triangle of the ULAP square became a "residual area" situated between traffic roads.

The numerous existing trees were the reason to develop a spatially closed green space. The picturesque existing trees were largely preserved and continue to dominate the space. A "green hall" was created through a consequent resting, which underlines the character of the square as a public place in its spatial effect and communicative potential.
The historical references were respected, but not ostensibly displayed, since the current use has changed completely. For example, a close look within the existing structure reveals an old row of linden trees from an earlier design phase. The still existing, in the meantime tree-covered stairway was integrated carefully and adapted in a partial segment to the today's requirements.
With the future building uses and the surfaces referred to it, which can take up e.g. external catering trade, the area is defined from the edges. The tree-lined center, on the other hand, is a flexible zone that can respond in various ways to surrounding use activities and thus become both a relaxation and exercise space.
Striking seating furniture emphasizes the independent character of the ULAP square. The benches, specially designed for this facility, describe the space in its depth. In the evening and night hours, they transform into a swarm of elegant light sculptures, giving the space an atmosphere of its own.

First prizeGerman Landscape Architecture Award 2009

Jury verdict: The ULAP site is located next to the main station in Berlin and is a "hidden" place despite its central location. It is characterised by a very dense old tree population and a clear difference in height. In the opinion of the jury, a very appropriate and restrained design for the space is derived from these two defining elements: Few tree plantings complement the existing grove. A few tree plantings complement the existing grove, while a stone frame and benches designed for the site provide a calm surface on which the play of shadows cast by the trees can take effect.

The way in which the historic staircase is dealt with is particularly noteworthy. Although overgrown by trees, it could be preserved. It is flanked by a new staircase band of the same material. The interplay between the old and new staircases clarifies their relationship and addresses it in a very subtle way. Overall, the careful handling of the enchanted atmosphere of the site by means of the very targeted landscape architectural interventions is impressive.