The Tegel Projekt in Berlin is transforming the site of the former Tegel Airport into the Schumacher Quartier, a sustainable neighborhood with 5,000 carbon-neutral apartments. This community will prioritize pedestrians and cyclists over cars, featuring parks, schools, and stores within walking distance. Buildings will utilize mass timber to reduce CO2 emissions and energy will be sourced from solar and geothermal power. The area will also implement innovative water management and biodiversity initiatives to support local wildlife. Construction includes clearing historical debris, with plans for social housing and cooperatives to begin in 2027.
| name | description | change | 10-year | driving-force | relevancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Car-Free Urban Development | A new neighborhood prioritizes pedestrians and cyclists over cars, promoting sustainable transportation. | Shift from car-centric urban planning to pedestrian-friendly environments. | In ten years, urban areas may increasingly prioritize walkability and bikeability over vehicle access. | Growing awareness of climate change and demand for sustainable living solutions. | 5 |
| Mass Timber Construction | Use of wood as the main material for new apartment buildings to reduce CO2 emissions. | Transition from traditional concrete construction to mass timber for environmental benefits. | In a decade, mass timber may become a standard in urban construction, reducing carbon footprints. | Push for sustainable building materials to combat climate change effects. | 4 |
| Self-Sustaining Water Systems | Innovative designs capture and reuse rainwater to prevent flooding. | From conventional drainage systems to self-sustaining water management solutions. | By 2033, urban planning might incorporate comprehensive water recycling systems in design. | Increased focus on climate resilience and sustainability in urban infrastructure. | 4 |
| Biodiversity Integration in Urban Design | Neighborhood plans include support for rare species and urban biodiversity. | Shift from neglecting biodiversity in urban spaces to actively integrating it into development. | Urban environments may increasingly incorporate biodiversity as a standard component of planning. | Recognition of the importance of biodiversity for ecological balance and urban quality of life. | 3 |
| Urban Tech Ecosystems | A commercial area designed for startups focused on sustainability and new mobility. | From traditional commercial spaces to innovation hubs for sustainable technologies. | Future cities may have thriving ecosystems for startups focused on eco-friendly innovations. | Emergence of green technology and entrepreneurship in response to climate challenges. | 4 |
| Animal-Aided Design | Design strategies that promote coexistence with local wildlife and biodiversity. | Transition from human-centered design to inclusive design that considers wildlife. | Urban design might increasingly prioritize coexistence with wildlife, enhancing ecological health. | Growing interest in ecological design principles and habitat preservation in urban areas. | 3 |
| name | description | relevancy |
|---|---|---|
| Public Space Management | Prioritizing people over cars in urban design may face challenges in execution and acceptance. | 4 |
| Environmental Impact of Construction | While focusing on sustainable materials, risk of unforeseen environmental impacts during construction remains. | 3 |
| Local Biodiversity | Incorporating rare species into urban design could lead to conflicts with urban development needs. | 4 |
| Climate Resilience and Water Management | Implementing ‘sponge city’ designs risks failure in extreme weather conditions, potentially leading to flooding. | 4 |
| Legacy Contamination | Historical military use may pose contamination risks, complicating new development plans. | 5 |
| Community Engagement and Design Participation | Ensuring optimal resident involvement in design may be challenging, affecting project acceptance and functionality. | 3 |
| name | description | relevancy |
|---|---|---|
| Prioritization of People over Cars | Urban planning that emphasizes pedestrian and community spaces instead of car dominance. | 5 |
| Sustainable Construction Materials | Use of mass timber for construction to enhance CO2 storage and reduce environmental impact. | 5 |
| Local Timber Sourcing | Sourcing building materials locally to minimize carbon footprint and support local economies. | 4 |
| Self-contained Water Management Systems | Designing neighborhoods to capture and utilize rainwater efficiently to prevent flooding. | 4 |
| Animal-aided Design | Incorporating biodiversity into urban planning to support and attract local wildlife. | 3 |
| Integration of Innovative Startups | Creating spaces for technology startups to develop and test sustainable solutions in urban settings. | 4 |
| Community-focused Urban Spaces | Designing public spaces that encourage social interaction and community engagement. | 5 |
| Carbon-neutral Neighborhoods | Developing urban areas that aim for zero carbon emissions through efficient energy use. | 5 |
| Micromobility Accessibility | Facilitating access to micromobility options like bikes and scooters in urban planning. | 4 |
| Climate Resilient Architecture | Design principles that adapt to and mitigate the effects of climate change in urban environments. | 5 |
| name | description | relevancy |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon-Neutral Neighborhoods | The development of neighborhoods designed to be carbon-neutral with walkable and bikeable infrastructure. | 5 |
| Mass Timber Construction | Building with wood materials to enable long-term CO2 storage and reduced use of harmful materials. | 5 |
| Solar and Geothermal Energy Systems | Utilizing solar panels and geothermal energy for on-site energy production. | 4 |
| Micromobility Solutions | Innovative transportation options that promote non-motorized travel in urban settings. | 4 |
| Sponge City Designs | Urban planning that incorporates water capture systems to prevent flooding and manage stormwater. | 5 |
| Animal-Aided Design | Design that incorporates biodiversity and supports rare species within urban environments. | 3 |
| Waste Heat Recovery Systems | Technology to harness waste heat from buildings for residential heating. | 4 |
| Urban Tech Startups | Emerging companies focused on developing new technologies for urban living and sustainability. | 4 |
| name | description | relevancy |
|---|---|---|
| Sustainable Urban Development | The shift towards eco-friendly neighborhoods designed for walkability and reduced carbon footprint is becoming a priority in urban planning. | 5 |
| Biodiversity Integration in Urban Design | Incorporating biodiversity into urban environments to support local wildlife and ecosystems is gaining importance in city planning. | 4 |
| Micromobility and Public Transit Access | The integration of micromobility solutions and public transit in urban neighborhoods is emerging as a key factor for sustainability. | 4 |
| Local Material Sourcing and Construction Practices | Utilizing locally sourced materials like timber in construction to reduce carbon emissions is becoming a critical focus in new developments. | 5 |
| Water Management in Urban Areas | Innovative water management systems in neighborhoods to prevent flooding and promote groundwater replenishment are increasingly relevant. | 4 |
| Community-Centric Urban Spaces | Designing urban spaces that prioritize people and community interaction over vehicle use is crucial for future urban living. | 5 |
| Climate Resilient Infrastructure | Developing infrastructure that can adapt to climate changes and extreme weather events is becoming more essential in urban planning. | 5 |
| Self-Sustaining Energy Systems | Creating neighborhoods that generate their own energy through renewable sources is an emerging trend in urban development. | 5 |