Berlin’s Tegel Airport has been replaced by a new international airport, and the cleared land is being developed into a sustainable neighborhood called the Schumacher Quartier. The neighborhood aims to prioritize people over cars, with walkable and bikeable streets and public spaces for socializing and recreation. The plans include wide bike lanes, green spaces, and limited access to cars. The apartment buildings will be constructed from wood, reducing CO2 emissions and utilizing local timber. The neighborhood will be self-sufficient in terms of energy production, with solar and geothermal power, and will incorporate water capture and storage systems. Additionally, the redevelopment will support biodiversity and rare species, and the first buildings are expected to be completed in 2027.
| Signal | Change | 10y horizon | Driving force |
|---|---|---|---|
| Berlin’s Tegel Airport replaced by sustainable neighborhood | From airport to sustainable neighborhood | Completed sustainable neighborhood with 5,000 apartment homes | Climate-conscious urban planning and community needs |
| Streets and squares prioritized for people, not cars | From car-centric to people-centric streets | Rediscovery of public space for socializing and walking | Emphasis on community well-being and pedestrian-friendly design |
| Wooden apartment buildings for CO2 storage and reduction | From traditional construction to mass timber buildings | Largest group of mass timber buildings in the world | Long-term CO2 storage and reduction in environmental impact |
| Ultra-efficient buildings with on-site energy production | From reliance on external energy sources to self-sufficiency | All energy produced on-site, including solar and geothermal power | Energy independence and reduced carbon footprint |
| Sponge city designs to prevent flooding | From vulnerable to flood-resistant infrastructure | Water capture and storage systems integrated into the neighborhood | Climate adaptation and water management |
| Biodiversity incorporated into design to support rare species | From exclusion of wildlife to biodiversity-friendly design | Open spaces and buildings designed to support rare species | Ecological conservation and habitat creation |
| Clearing of debris from previous military use | From remnants of military training to cleared land | Removal of old ammunition and debris | Ensuring safety and preparing land for development |
| Allocation of land and collaboration with residents for design | From planning to implementation and resident involvement | Completion of social housing, cooperatives, and student housing | Community engagement and diverse housing options |