Urbane Mitte am Gleisdreieck Berlin

One of the last major property sites in central Berlin is supposed to be developed into an urban city quarter. The site with a size of about 40,000 sqm is located between the park at Gleisdreieck and the underground station Gleisdreieck where the busy railway lines U1 and U2 cross. About 110,000 sqm are supposed to be created above the underground station. The station is listed for preservation.

ingenhoven architects has designed a holistic Green Building Concept for “Urbane Mitte”, which corresponds to the highest green rating standards. The design aims to produce a relatively high urban density, to minimize power consumption, to reduce CO2 emissions and to apply cradle-to-cradle principles. The new focal point is the new railway station, which connects the highly frequented traffic junction. The new, high-lying railway line S21 will be covered with greenery and linked to the railway station. It opens up the adjacent buildings and functions, so that a new high-lying, semi-public space in the city is being created. The design includes along the track line several high-rises, which are arranged diagonally. Due to their different orientation, they serve as wind barriers and increase the use of daylight. The sustainable concept also includes an efficient rainwater harvesting system, the use of a low-energy network, the use of wind and solar energy and the use of geothermal energy. The design includes Urban Faming for the roofs and facades to cover parts of the local demand for agricultural products by urban gardening. ingenhoven architects has won the 3rd prize in the competition.