On the site of the former Tempelhof airport, the Senate Administration for Urban Development is presenting the results of an urban planning competition. The plans offer a first look at how the roughly 386-hectare site is to be developed. The airport closed in October 2008, and the grounds have been open to the public as the park Tempelhofer Freiheit since May 2010.
Commercial and research space instead of housing
Along the western side facing the A100 motorway, areas are designated for commercial and office use. In the north, near the airport building, research and educational institutions are planned. Residential construction is limited to a small area in the southeast, bordering Columbiadamm and the borough (Bezirk) of Neukoelln.
Architecturally, the design follows Berlin's traditional perimeter block (Blockrandbebauung) model. From above, the blocks appear large, which makes sense given the intended commercial and research use. The central open space is preserved as a recreation area.
Pressure on Tempelhof-Schoeneberg and Neukoelln housing
The creation of jobs in research and commerce will affect demand for housing in the neighbouring boroughs of Tempelhof-Schoeneberg and Neukoelln. Since very few new apartments are planned on the field itself, pressure on the existing housing market in these locations is likely to continue.
The exhibition on site shows the plans in detail through posters and information materials.
