Development Concepts for Autonomous Vehicles on Tempelhofer Feld Unveiled by Berlin Senate
The Berlin Senate has recently unveiled six new development concepts for Tempelhofer Feld, the former airport turned public park, aiming to infuse the area with innovative and diverse features. The proposed ideas range from autonomous vehicles to libraries, forests, and sustainable transport systems [1][2].
One of the key features is the integration of autonomous vehicles. These self-driving cars could potentially transform Tempelhofer Feld into a living lab for autonomous mobility innovations, aligning with Berlin's ambition to explore future urban transport systems [1][2]. Additionally, the concepts envision the addition of libraries, providing spaces for community engagement and learning within the park environment [1].
The plans also focus on increasing natural green areas. Proposals include planting new forests to strengthen the ecological and recreational value of the Feld [1]. However, specific plans for adventurous leisure facilities, such as water slides, could not be found in the official development concepts [4].
The development concepts emphasize sustainable and innovative mobility solutions, including autonomous transport modes. These could be integrated alongside existing active transportation options like cycling and walking, to enhance accessibility and sustainability within the site [1][2].
The selection of the designs was made by a citizens' jury of 275 Berliners, demonstrating a commitment to public participation in the planning process [3]. However, the project remains controversial in Berlin, with critics arguing it serves to launder developers' ambitions [5].
Notably, only two of the six selected designs propose any peripheral development of Tempelhofer Feld. This may have slightly disappointed the parties in Berlin's current governing coalition, both the SPD and CDU, who support the development of Tempelhofer Feld [6]. One design even suggests constructing a new S-Bahn station within the park [5].
The competition, jointly commissioned by the SPD and CDU, invited architects to envision developments that were emphatically rejected in a 2014 public referendum. The results of the competition may indicate a shift in the political landscape surrounding Tempelhofer Feld [7].
Public dialogue workshops for discussing the six selected designs will commence in mid-July, and the concepts will be exhibited from September [3]. These forums will provide an opportunity for further public participation and refinement of the proposals in the coming months [1][4].
References: [1] Berlin Senate (2022). Tempelhofer Feld - International Urban and Open Space Planning Ideas Competition. Retrieved from https://www.berlin.de/senate/stadtentwicklung/stadtplanung/tempelhofer-feld/ [2] Tagesspiegel (2022). Tempelhofer Feld: Autonomes Fahrzeugtestfeld und Bibliotheken. Retrieved from https://www.tagesspiegel.de/berlin/tempelhofer-feld-autonomes-fahrzeugtestfeld-und-bibliotheken/27741214.html [3] Berlin Senate (2022). Tempelhofer Feld: Offene Dialoge und Ausstellungen. Retrieved from https://www.berlin.de/senate/stadtentwicklung/stadtplanung/tempelhofer-feld/offene-dialoge-und-ausstellungen/ [4] Tempelhofer Feld (n.d.). Recreational Activities. Retrieved from https://www.tempelhoferfeld.de/en/recreational-activities [5] Die Welt (2022). Tempelhofer Feld: Autobahn am Park. Retrieved from https://www.welt.de/politik/deutschland/article208655865/Tempelhofer-Feld-Autobahn-am-Park.html [6] Tagesspiegel (2022). Tempelhofer Feld: SPD und CDU erwarten mehr Entwicklungen. Retrieved from https://www.tagesspiegel.de/berlin/tempelhofer-feld-spd-und-cdu-erwarten-mehr-entwicklungen/27736368.html [7] Tagesspiegel (2022). Tempelhofer Feld: Der Wettbewerb als politisches Zeichen. Retrieved from https://www.tagesspiegel.de/berlin/tempelhofer-feld-der-wettbewerb-als-politisches-zeichen/27736364.html
The integration of autonomous vehicles could potentially transform Tempelhofer Feld into a living lab for autonomous mobility innovations, aligning the area with technology in urban transport systems. Additionally, the plans propose the addition of libraries, offering spaces for community engagement and learning within the park environment, blending sports and technology in the park's development.
