Berlin’s Blocks to Rewilding Plots: Revitalizing Grey Area Lots in Berlin | Masters Design Project on Regenerative Architecture

Site Context

Technology is a dynamic field with rapid advancements. It is anticipated that in the future, cars and postal services will be entirely automated. This will reduce the demand for parking spaces and postal facilities by streamlining and optimising automation processes. In this project, the students demonstrated their dedication to ecological harmony and sustainable development by reclaiming and transforming industrial sites that have been abandoned or are unlikely to be used in the future. The proposal seeks to build upon this ethos by converting three urban blocks, a Briefzentrum (postal service), car dealing and repairing station and an unoccupied beer factory site into a hybrid greenhouse and residential area.

Schrebergärten, or allotment gardens, have their origins in 19th-century Germany and are a response to urbanisation and industrialization. They typically exist in particular areas of urban or suburban settings and are often used by individuals or families as a place to cultivate flowers and trees. In addition to honouring Schrebergärten’s historical roots, this proposal, which combines the ideas of allotment gardens and residential blocks, responds to the changing needs of urban dwellers in a more efficient setting and promotes a balance between nature and modern living.

Retaining the steel frame structure from the post office while introducing several sustainable, uplifted timber pavilions as residential architecture, a boundless community garden and plant nursery. These amenities allow for a realistic rewilding process within the ‘grey’ area, gradually, randomly, and chaotically incorporating native plants into the urban fabric. Thus, this approach ultimately transforms an urban block into a thriving natural space.

Final Outcome

A car centre called KADEA Berlin has been converted into a mixed-use space that combines residential and agricultural spaces to highlight a different kind of self-sufficient farming lifestyle besides urban agriculture as a recreational activity. Urban fabric and local food production have a symbiotic relationship that not only addresses important issues like lowering food miles and reducing the demand for processed foods, but also fits in perfectly with the 20-Minute City concept. 

Large-scale agriculture, a characteristic of traditional food production systems, frequently calls for resource-intensive methods that increase water consumption and deforestation. The incorporation of locally produced food into residential areas, particularly those that are already urbanised, is a significant shift towards small-scale farming methods that promote resilience and biodiversity in the surrounding ecosystem. 

Furthermore, producing food locally in an urban setting reduces the need for large-scale transportation systems, which lowers greenhouse gas emissions and encourages “sustainable living.” Architect Bruno Buch constructed the building in 1918 as a vehicle repair shop, and the building’s exterior has been preserved to this day. The iconic brick chimney structure and historic facade have been maintained, which is a testament to the preservation of cultural heritage as well as an indication of the site’s rich history.

Adjacent to the redeveloped car retail centre is an office J-shaped block, proposed to transform into a farm. Introducing non-human inhabitants into the programme not only contributes to the ecological balance but also aligns with the concept of rewilding, emphasising the importance of animals in the overall ecosystem. Upgrading the traditional brick and steel facade to incorporate hanging plant pot pockets is a transformative design choice that serves a dual purpose. 

By adding greenery and other natural elements, it not only improves the building’s aesthetic appeal but also facilitates wind ventilation. The placement of the solar panel infrastructure around the block is meticulously designed to align with the significant amount of direct sunlight that animals require for their daily needs. Solar panels improve energy efficiency while preserving the site’s aesthetic integrity by utilising sustainable materials and design concepts.

Originally a historic beer factory, IGG Malzfabrik MbH has undergone a radical transformation. It is now intended to serve as a centre for fostering community-engaged activities and providing a variety of amenities and  versatile business spaces tailored for large events. Notably, the outdoor space, which is closely linked to a pool, fosters various ecosystems through the interaction of water, vegetation, and surrounding landscapes, thereby improving local biodiversity and aiding in rainwater management.

Conclusion: The project addresses the need to balance human and non-human ecology and reduce climate change effects through sustainable architectural solutions that transform an industrial site into a residential development, reshaping Berlin for the future.

[This Academic Project has been published with text submitted by the student]