Germany transforms Airport into Green Oasis

An article, written by Robin Fearon on Discovery.com, discusses the transformation of the abandoned Tegel airport in Berlin, Germany, into a green living neighborhood. This ambitious project aims to create an eco-friendly community on the 580-acre site, offering over 5,000 homes for more than 10,000 people. The neighborhood will feature green spaces, bike lanes, affordable housing, and amenities like schools and shopping facilities.

 

The development prioritizes sustainability with features such as vertical gardens on apartment blocks for cooling, rooftop solar panels for electricity, and “Sponge City” technology to manage water absorption. The construction process aims to be carbon neutral by using local timber and offsetting emissions.

 

Notably, this is not the first time an old airport has been repurposed, with examples in Denver and San Antonio. Additionally, a commercial zone and ‘Urban Tech Republic’ are planned next to the development, targeting tech companies and a large city park. Construction is set to begin in 2023, with a focus on reducing car dependency in favor of public spaces.