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Potsdamer Platz in Berlin Becomes a Sustainable Ecofriendly Urban Square

Potsdamer Platz, Berlin, Germany, by

Atelier Dreiseitl

It sometimes seems that our contemporary planning is an unholy game of piling as much structure as possible in one spot. The urban spaces about which we brag are often merely the densest piles of bricks, stones or mortar with raised planting beds and seating being converted to mere showpieces. But, where in these heaps and stacks of masonry are the slightest considerations to restore ecological balance? Are the people for whom these are designed refreshed, inspired, and stimulated by their urban environment? Hardly, too often will be the answer for our times. Potsdamer Platz, Berlin, Germany designed by Atelier Dreiseitl is an award winning waterscape project where it combine sustainable water consumption and recreational areas in such a way that water environment issues become perceptible for the city’s citizens and visitors. In addition to the ecological benefits, the water system has cultural and artistic significance. This draws people to the plaza to relax and engage in the water in the realm of the highly dense commercial area.

Potsdamer Platz. Photo courtesy of Atelier Dreiseitl.

Potsdamer Platz

Potsdamer Platz had been an important square and intersection in Berlin since the 20th century. The Berlin wall which separated East and West Berlin and later came down in 1989 gave him the idea to plan an iconic plaza which can heal the old wounds left behind by the wall and can symbolize the reunion of the city.

Functional and artistic Significance

Today the witness to the history holds the headquarters for multinational corporations like Sony and Daimler Chrysler, along with theaters and a large mall. To keep up with the constricted downtown area, the design team could stipulate that they had to come up with something out of the box.

Potsdamer Platz. Photo courtesy of Atelier Dreiseitl.

Finally they came up with the concept to create an urban oasis where there would be an interplay of nature, wind and art and at the same time would provide ample opportunities to cross over and interact with the water metaphorically healing the old divisions.

Potsdamer Platz. Photo courtesy of Atelier Dreiseitl.

Water features and their purposes

Here, the attributes of water are used to the full extent for the purpose of rain harvesting and a recreational plaza for people. The use of water features helps in the microclimate moderation as extreme temperatures are tempered by the presence of moisture. It also helps to bind dust particles in the air.

Potsdamer Platz. Photo courtesy of Atelier Dreiseitl.

Use of Green Roofs, cisterns and canals

To reduce cost of mechanical cooling, approximately 60 % i.e. 30,000 m2 of the roofs of the buildings on Potsdamer Platz are green roofs. These reduce summer temperatures by approximately 2°C resulting in energy savings. The rainwater falling on the green roofs flow through the site’s buildings and are used for irrigation, fire extinguishing systems and lavatory flushing covering 80% of the toilets annual water usage.

Potsdamer Platz. Photo courtesy of Atelier Dreiseitl.

Biotopes: the organic purifiers

There are five large underground cisterns which store water in case of excessive rainfall. The excess water is then slowly discharged into a series of narrow pools located along sidewalks and streets and finally to the southern pool. The series of pools and streams near the piazza, beside streets and pavements are integrated with vegetated biotopes. As it passes through the biofiltration beds, these aquatic plants treat the rainwater to purify organically. A great deal of attention is devoted to water quality and the clarity of water through this effective biological filtration system. The filtered water becomes high-quality water; rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, ammonia, nitrogen, nitrites suitable for aquatic habitats.

The unsightly Algae and biofilms

In this organic process of purification, the seasonally occurring algae and biofilms sometimes brought in an aesthetic liability which can be minimized by adding sieves to filter the suspended algae in the water system.

Potsdamer Platz. Image courtesy of Atelier Dreiseitl.

Scenic Values at Potsdamer Platz

Streams, water bodies are like punctuation marks in reading the landscape. Here, the water is brought out in shallow flow steps that create a shimmering surface of rhythmic waves. People can rest along the water edges or cross the banks on stepping stones over the expanse of water. The sounds of water evoke a sense of pleasure amidst the humdrum of the bustling commercial area.

Potsdamer Platz. Photo courtesy of Atelier Dreiseitl.

In conclusion, it is truly a unique project where ecological measures are interwoven with engineering principles and aesthetic values as a unified whole and its success lies in the reinvention of a prominent, vibrant urban area, unifying and revitalizing the old relationships of the city.

Potsdamer Platz. Photo courtesy of Atelier Dreiseitl.

Full Project Credits:

Project Name:

Potsdamer Platz

Location:

Berlin, Germany

Date of Construction:

1997-1998

Size:

1.3 hectares

Awards:

DGNB Silver Sustainable Urban District

Client:

City Berlin / Debis Immobilien