z5046201

URBAN RENEWAL IN MOABIT-WEST BERLIN

The study explores the pattern and urban structure of the 1862 Hobrecht Plan and its urban design elements that could be the basis of future redevelopment of the suburbs of Berlin. In particular, the study investigates the suburb of Moabit that is located within approximately 1.5 kilometres to the west of the Berlin city centre. Moabit is traditionally a working class, industrial suburb and is defined by three watercourses, the Spree, the Westhafen Canal and the Berlin-Spandau Navigation Canal.

ISSUES AND CONSTRAINTS
1.Limited residential land and poor built environments with insufficient solar access
2.Fragmented and insufficient green spaces throughout the study area to support public activities
3.High distribution of heavy industry leads to serious air pollution for adjoining residential lands.
4.Low level of education and income of households according to the education and human development index (HDI)

Overlaying the Hobrecht Plan on the existing pattern of streets and blocks in Moabit-West

OPPORTUNITIES AND STRATEGIES
1.Rebuid a city square in the exact location as per the Hobrecht Plan.
2.Explore the potential to develop a new railway station between the existing two S-Bahn stations.
3.Develop allotment gardens, residential buildings with large courtyards and green roofs.
4.Partial redevelopment of industrial area and adaptive reuse of industrial buildings.

Ernst-Thälmann-Park, Prenzlauerberg, Berliln
LIVING IN THE GREEN OASIS

The central backbone of the urban design framework is a new street network that utilises the existing pedestrian bridge to connect the east and west portions of the site; new buildings along this bridge will contain commercial and neighborhood functions. In the north-south direction, the street will be developed to accommodate commercial functions and a marketplace in order to promote movement along a commercial corridor that links to the S-bahn station. The west side of the site emphasises public and community oriented functions, while the eastern site emphasises residential neighbor-hoods. Each block will contain a “landmark building,” which will provide community space on the ground floor to support resident needs. To the south, a green promenade connects the major green areas within the site.