Berlin - Urban Densification
Group members
Heather Kuhn
DIA Dessau
Berlin is a city that has developed completely within the principals of a "Network City" (because of its history, there has never truly been a city center). Berlin’s expansions can be classified by three categories: industrialization, suburbanization and globalization. Each of these periods influenced and shaped the districts of Berlin, into the decentralized “node city” we see today. From the Zweckverbands of 1911 to Post-Wall Berlin in the 90’s, Berlin’s growth has been dramatic to say the least, and will continue to transform for generations to come. (source)
Continuous developments in the city help shape and create the different nodes in Berlin. By 2050, the Berlin Hauptbanhof will be such a node. The HBF, which is notably the largest station in the European Union, is located just on the outskirts of the political district of Berlin (Mitte). From this station, one can travel anywhere in Berlin, Germany, and throughout the EU. Currently, the land surrounding the station is undeveloped, but there are plans for a new district being realized (see Europacity, Berlin). With this new development, this station will become a node in a much more complex, and multifaceted way.
While the projected population growth for Germany remains pretty stagnant, 75% of the world’s population is anticipated to live in cities by 2050. Berlin’s projected population will be somewhere around 3.55 million (today’s count is 3.45 mil.). Although the difference is far from severe, the development around the HBF will become denser, because of its significance and developments.
Technology will be another driving force in the future of Berlin. In this vision, the focus is on transportation and green technologies that will help advance the HBF into becoming a true node. Not only are these principals important on an urban scale, they are created for the human scale, for human interactions, communications and education. By 2050, people must have an understanding of their impact on their environments, and these advancements can cater to the educational requirements demanded.
For more information on each of the topics discussed: Transportation, Demographics and (Green) Technologies, please see the attachments below.
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Other Revisions
Revision #15
the buildings in the back have changed, but the concept is the same. also the facades have a special screen on them (see Sugarcane Buildings) that can protect from certain sun angles during the day, but allow sun in the rest. Also, the green farming walls moved to the roof, so they can have better access to sun and save space.
Notes from Final Review:
- Don’t just stick someone else’s project in
- Relate the structure with the topic
- How will density increase CO2
- Need to zoom in and out
- Think big picture
- Can older people live in the train station?
- Think about the train stations typology and connection to the grid
- Density can’t be measured like population
- Write your own brief of your buildings in a detailed way, explaining your towers
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Revision #14
I still have work to do, but I want to upload my progress. I've cleaned up most of the decoration in the image. I've also changed to people, so it can start to display the change in demographics. I've also retrofitted the train station with different elements (that will be explained, don't you worry) for creating energy/reducing energy usage. I've added new use to the waterfront, by having cafe's along the river. I also added a sculpture (by yayoi kusama) to play up the cultural element of the station. finally, did some greenwashing.
Is it necessary in ur vision to show densification from building structures ???
I liked ur trainstation of ur 13th revision more, all the best to u too..
Revision #13
Removed the cartoon-ish characters that displayed my concept and revised the text under the image.
Revision #11
happy? this is a temporary fix to a new idea. a more elaborate and worthwhile revision will come soon || The building park in the background was too much, and lacking in a human scale. I have finally completely done away with the idea (I think my main goal was to fill up the image, but that isn't always necessary.) Like some comments have mentioned, the buildings need to be more traditional, and allow for a more human interaction. In the coming days, you will see an overhead view of the new layout behind the station. The idea remains the same. It will still convert into a technology hub, but it will be less obvious - less fascist, if you will. I do believe these technologies will be used just like I have shown in 2050, and that Berlin could be one of the first cites to have these features. (and I hope you don't mind me borrowing your hand idea Ksenia!)
Hey Heather_
The future looks pretty dark... I'm only talking about the image quality. Lighten it up a bit, not so grey. A brighter scky can go a long way, but not too bright. It's looking good, but listen to those that have commented, I am in no way an expert on Berlin, but I am glad you have taken on the challenge of creating this new hub near the HB, it ripe with activity and your images are getting closer to trying to understand the possible potential.
Revision #10
Added some buildings in the background, the Honeycomb 2.0 Project. Also, dispersed some new technologies amongst the public. In addition, I have begun attaching TAG pages. These will point out some of the different features addressed in my image.
I think that it would be really difficult to make tourist live around the area of the Berlin-HauptBahnHof(it is not really popular place right now and I honestly don’t see any possibilities for the development you describing . I would rather concentrate activities on the “East Berlin” area where the buildings were actually built for 30 years lifespan.(it is time to replace the buildings there).
I would rather go with the idea of developing HB area in a way when it acts as a cultural centre of Berlin (more or like as it is right now).I would also take time to think about the properties of architectural language in this area because right now (on your visions) it doesn’t look really attractive for multicultural touristic crowd(too uniform)don’t really think that it works for Berlin with its amazing mixture of architectural styles.
With Chancellor Merkel pushing to discontinue Nuclear energy production in Germany by 2022, Germany will need to invest heavily in alternative energy products in the next decade. If they have people capable/willing to lead that energy initiative instead of investing in foreign discoveries it could be a jump-start to said Tech Valley.
Revision #9
This new revision takes a step back, but almost moves forward. Putting aside the honeycomb project, the focus has shifted into a new idea for the city, and particularly for this area. The towers have been replaced with mixed use buildings that not only serve as apartments or hotels, but also house the biggest technological companies around the world. This new area, defined as the silicon valley of the EU, will become a central attraction for techies from all around the world. This is just the beginning phase. The buildings in the background will need some work, but the idea is what I have hoped to display.
Revision #8
The train station becomes upgraded to use technology for its facade. From around the area, the times of the closets trains and their platforms can be displayed for anyone traveling in the area. It has also been increased, allowing more trains to travel through the space, as well as a special lane designated for the high speed trains. Different transportation methods have been added as well. A river taxi service, with a port that connects to the main station; a pedestrian bridge that connects either side of the river, and a platform stair that allows people to sit and enjoy the space. Also, human scale was added to the buildings. While the honeycomb project is still in existence, the street facades have changed to accommodate different needs, such as hotels, office spaces, and other shops. This creates a better scale for the public, and allows the pods to have some privacy.
This will all happen in stages I assume. What would be interesting is to see a visual timeline of how these ideas would progress. Showing the existing situation and how it progresses every 10 years. This may help you understand how issues like infrastructure come into play. It may also aid you in a stronger understanding of how complicated the planning process of the future truly is, and will be. It looks great Heather.
Revision #7
Edited the train station to show how it could adapt to new technologies - such as hovercraft transportation.
- density : what is the assumed density of Berlin in your future vision? - what is the structure of the society? age, education, jobs etc. - are the towers single use? or mixed used developments? - what is the importance of Berlin main train station in regards to Germany / Europe? - why do all towers look the same? please research East German Plattenbau. - what are the speculations on local public transport?
With the expected decrease in population of Germany (and across Europe), is there any discussion towards reorganizing cities to allow for more open areas? Some city regions may become sparsely populated, or even vacant (ala Detroit). IE: Keep population dense around transportation hubs, but re-purpose other areas of the city to allow for more parks and/or green (renewable) energy projects.
Revision #6
Added a beach, because the water could be cleaned for access - important as the temperatures continue to rise. The facades as well, attained their LED panels.
- density : what is the assumed density of Berlin in your future vision?
- what is the structure of the society? age, education, jobs etc.
- are the towers single use? or mixed used developments?
- what is the importance of Berlin main train station in regards to Germany / Europe?
- why do all towers look the same? please research East German Plattenbau.
- what are the speculations on local public transport?
Revision #5
This revision updates the Honeycomb Project and removes any old buildings. I have yet to put in the LED wall. That will be my next endeavor.
Revision #4
A very basic start to the Honeycomb City.
Revision #3
I added additional towers. Buildings will need to be 50 floors tall to maximize space.
Revision #2
Here I have added on to Polina's Greening image of Berlin and continued my description of density.
Ksenia Petrova commented