Gendarmenmarkt Berlin Design and utilisation concept

Berlin's Gendarmenmarkt, located in the middle of the historic Friedrichstadt, is one of the most beautiful squares in Berlin. The historic buildings of the German and French cathedrals and the concert hall present themselves in a magnificent spatial effect. The surrounding buildings with their partly richly structured facades provide a worthy setting for the ensemble within the baroque street grid.

Since its creation at the end of the 17th century, the square has experienced a varied history and has been redesigned several times. After the reconstruction of the war-damaged buildings, the Gendarmenmarkt was able to regain its special character and, especially in recent years, has become a popular meeting place and place to stay, used by Berliners and their guests in a variety of ways. A number of events also make use of this magnificent space, so that the square has now developed into an elegant "city salon".

It is also becoming increasingly clear, however, that the functionality and design of the square structure currently in place no longer do justice to its intensified use. General signs of wear and tear as well as a lack of infrastructure and fundamental conflicts of use are now impairing the design experience and everyday use of the Gendarmenmarkt.

The Senate Department for Urban Development had therefore set itself the goal of developing a concept for the redesign of the square space. This was to be developed in an intensive dialogue with the residents, the affected businesses and all interested citizens and integrate both design and functional aspects into a sustainable planning. Under the motto "Future Gendarmenmarkt", the planning principles were developed in a continuous dialogue with citizens and then concrete planning options were discussed.

A BERLIN SALON
A long-term planning concept for the Gendarmenmarkt first had to develop a clear urban planning model. In doing so, the rich potentials were to be strengthened and the positive image of the square was to be expressed in a contemporary, but also historically conscious attitude. Special features are the generous elegance of the square as well as the at all times very busy and bustling atmosphere of this "Berlin salon".

At the same time a critical examination of the recognizable conflicts and deficits was necessary. Spaces and visual relationships had to be restored, disturbing fixtures removed. Barriers - especially at the edges of the square - are to be removed in order to improve path relationships and to upgrade neglected areas. The partly very worn surface of the square has to meet the high standards of the place in its design and material quality in the long run. It was to be discussed whether new open space elements, such as attractive water installations and light or art objects, could also be integrated into it.

In addition, the technical prerequisites for a flexible usability of the Gendarmenmarkt are to be created above all. On the one hand, the multitude of activities contributes to an urban atmosphere, but on the other hand, it also depends on optimal technical conditions. This also includes the development of a long-term oriented usage concept.

Only in this way can the magnificent buildings of the Gendarmenmarkt be restored to their full potential and the square itself be developed into an elegant and functional urban space.