Ecological urban district development in a large housing estate in Berlin-Hellersdorf

Problem

Main goal of the measure was ecological enhancement and open space planning in the large housing estate by involving residents. Implementation-oriented concepts for an ecological waste disposal, for open space development, for the planning of urban fringe areas and for the ecological consultation of current investment projects were prepared at several spatial levels.

Description

At the time of German reunification, the large housing estate Hellersdorf with its mostly young residents had not yet been completed. Residential buildings and infrastructure facilities (kindergardens, schools, shops) did already exist, however, most of the plots still were building sites, an urban district centre did not yet exist. The chance was given to advance ecological development. Together with the Berlin Senate Department responsible for building, housing and transport, with “Wohnungsbaugesellschaft Hellersdorf mbH (WoGeHe)” (a housing society) and with citizens concepts and projects for an ecological development of the area were prepared. Associations and initiatives active in the field of natural and environmental protection played an important role here.

Approach

At first, the initial ecological situation in the urban district was identified. The area was reshaped by intensively involving residents. Interviews and information meetings were organised to identify the wishes and needs of residents. They were then able to participate in planning within special panels. The planning activities were accompanied by a continuous public relations work.

Results

At first, a waste concept for the whole district including the separate collection of waste and the collection of bulky waste was implemented. Other ecological measures, e.g. the use of environmentally friendly building material, the recycling of demolition material, the use of renewable energies, rainwater infiltration, the renaturation of watercourses, were realised. 196 flats were ecologically refurbished, which should serve as an example and basis to refurbish further 1200 flats. Besides, schools and courtyards were redesigned in an ecological way and a regional green corridor was reshaped.

Beneficiaries

• Residents,
• businessmen,
• flat and house owners in the district

Resources

Between 1992 and 1994 the ecological urban district development measures were funded and evaluated as a demonstration project within the field of research “Städtebauliche Weiterentwicklung großer Neubaugebiete in den neuen Bundesländern (Advancing urban development in large new developing areas in the new Länder)” under the Federal research programme “Experimental Housing and Urban Development”. The investive measures were realised based on urban development grants.

Contact info

Stadt und Land Wohnbauten-Gesellschaft mbH
Mr. Olaf Dietze

Document type

practice