Gendarmenmarkt Berlin Design and utilization concept

Berlin's Gendarmenmarkt, located in the middle of the historic Friedrichstadt district, is one of the most beautiful squares in Berlin. The historic buildings of the German and French Cathedrals and the Konzerthaus create a magnificent spatial effect. The surrounding buildings, some with richly structured façades, 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 an eventful history and has been redesigned several times. After the reconstruction of the buildings destroyed during the war, Gendarmenmarkt was able to regain its special character and, especially in recent years, has become a popular meeting point and place to spend time, which is used by Berliners and their guests in a variety of ways. A number of events also use this magnificent space, so that the square has now developed into an elegant "city salon".



However, it is also becoming increasingly clear that the functionality and design of the current structure of the square 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 day-to-day management of Gendarmenmarkt.



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



A BERLIN SALON

A long-term planning concept for Gendarmenmarkt first had to develop a clear urban development model. The aim was to strengthen the rich potential and express the positive image of the square in a contemporary but also historically aware way. Special features are the spacious elegance of the square as well as the lively and bustling atmosphere of this "Berlin salon" at all times.



At the same time, a critical examination of the recognizable conflicts and deficits was necessary. Spaces and visual relationships had to be restored and disruptive fixtures removed. Barriers - especially at the edges of the square - need to be removed in order to improve pathways and enhance neglected areas. The design and material quality of the square surface, which is very worn in places, must meet the high standards of the location in the long term. It was discussed whether new open space elements, such as attractive water features and light or art objects, could also be integrated into it.



In addition, the technical requirements for flexible usability of the Gendarmenmarkt must be created. On the one hand, the multitude of activities contributes to an urban atmosphere, but on the other hand it is also dependent on optimal technical conditions. This also includes the development of a long-term oriented utilization concept.



This is the only way to restore the magnificent buildings of the Gendarmenmarkt to their full glory and to develop the square itself into an elegant and functional urban space.