Gleisdreieck Park

Location: Berlin, Germany
Client: Stadt Berlin
Team: Stig L. Andersson, Kristine Holter-Andersen, Christine Vad Majgaard, Svava Riesto, Claudia Liem, Friedemann Rüter, Inger-Sofie Sæther, Helen Nishijo Andersen, Jay Woo Chung
Design phase: 2006
Area: 35 ha.

On the old railway sidings, Gleisdreick, in the middle of Berlin a new park will be constructed. SLA’s project is a flexible strategy for the regeneration of the area. It comprises zones planted with grass that over time a1nd according to need can be developed in dialogue with the residents of the city. The strategy enables a dynamic process whereby zones can be altered to accommodate new uses, creating a democratic space in the city.

The concept of the park is based on two elements: spontaneous nature and spontaneous culture. The existing natural vegetation of birch groves is reinforced, creating larger groves that can support biotopes of spontaneously growing plants. The zones will support the spontaneous culture that already today characterizes Gleisdreieck. There will be space for everything from allotment gardens and dog walking to kite flying, ball courts, cricket and relaxation.

Park Gleisdreieck is influenced by history. Left untouched in the middle of Berlin for several decades, it has obtained its own fairytale atmosphere. There are also traces of the famous German landscape architect Peter Joseph Lenné’s plans for the area. Inspired by Lenné, a number of straight axes and avenues are interspersed with freely positioned romantic elements. With Park Gleisdreieck, Lenné’s idea of the park as urban spaces is furthered. A social, learning and meeting place and space for exploration with the opportunity for alternative experiences than in the rest of the city: Flowering cherry trees, playing children and beautiful sunsets in an open landscape of movement.