Spring settlement Design of the residential environment as part of the redevelopment of the housing estate

The "Springsiedung" (construction phase from 1959-1967) in the heart of Berlin-Kreuzberg is a housing estate with up to 8-storey open row construction typical of the 1960s and a high proportion of green space. This open construction style is rare in the center of Berlin and leads to a park-like green space that is very permeable to the surrounding urban space.



Qualities of the "garden landscape" were taken up and reinterpreted in a reflected, cautious reference to the characteristics of the 1960s. Typical contemporary design motifs, such as geometries or the bright colors of the balconies, were adapted in the furnishings and floor coverings and further developed into the new design canon for contemporary open space planning.



Among other things, the numerous small play areas were merged into three large, inclusive play areas and supplemented with play installations along the paths. The review of fire protection and path connections as well as a newly organized recyclables collection with bicycle collection points were integrated carefully and in a high-quality design quantity. In the course of the previous feasibility study, sustainability strategies were developed for the large housing estate and implemented in the refurbishment. Existing buildings were renovated in terms of energy efficiency and in some cases with new green roofs. A resource-conserving use of materials was chosen in the planning, including the refurbishment of the characteristic existing luminaires with LED technology.

The preservation of the existing trees played just as important a role as the use of native, climate-tolerant bird food shrubs, insect-friendly perennial and shrub planting and meadow vegetation. The planting concept was examined in conjunction with the client's modern maintenance management concept with regard to its economic maintenance.



The airy wooden cubes, which create a staggered height with the help of steel rods in a rhythmic position, form the core of the design. The formal language is formed from the basic geometries of circle, square and line, which represent a creative and spatially connecting intermediate level to the tall surrounding buildings and the old trees. By incorporating combinations of tables and benches, the playgrounds also form valuable public communal spaces that are used by local families. As part of the sustainable redevelopment of the estate, the preservation of the existing trees played an important role, as did the use of native, climate-tolerant bird food trees and insect-friendly perennial planting. In the play area, a snack hedge / snack island made it possible for (urban) children to experience "edible" nature.



Safeguarding and protecting the environment plays an important role, especially in a big city like Berlin. The real ambition of conserving natural resources and biodiversity must be actively incorporated into planning and construction. Together with our clients, we have a responsibility as landscape architects to stand up for our environment while weighing up all interests.