The Israeli architect Zvi Hecker who has been living and working in Berlin since 1991 – known for the Heinz-Galinski-Grundschule in Berlin – has made a visual statement for the reunification of Germany with his design for the square between the Brandenburg Gate and Tiergarten. This design makes this inhospitable location, which at the moment is primarily used for large scale events, accessible to a wide public from Berliners to visitors from all over the world. With the presentation of his original drawings, sketches and models the exhibition intends to instigate a constructive debate about the future of this central square.
Platz am Brandenburger Tor
The proposal is a natural development to the existing situation of the west side of the Brandenburg Gate.
Pariser Platz, located on the east side of the Brandenburg Gate, is a formal square of urban character providing a limited axes of services such as coffee shops, restaurants, etc. It is flanked mainly by public buildings (Banks, embassies, etc.) open only at selective hours and closed at night.
In contrast to the rather sterile character of Pariser Platz, the west side of the Brandenburg Gate is frequently used to host public events, gatherings and anniversaries held in Berlin. On such occasions the roads leading to and crossing the area are closed to traffic to enable the free assembly of people. Professional equipment, used for the light and sound installations, is transported in by tens of cars and trucks. Temporary kiosks of cheap character are set up all around the site and leave a trail of trash and dirt that needs to be cleaned again and again.
Our proposal recognises this natural tendency of Berliners to assemble in front of the Brandenburg Gate, for the beautiful backdrop and stage that it provides, and addresses it. Our plan is to institutionalise and redefine the current situation by allowing it to move more efficiently and beautifully, not only on special occasions but for everyday use. Our aim is to allow the pedestrian to inhabit the space and to limit the intrusion of the flow of traffic. For many public events the traffic around the Brandenburg Gate is arbitrary closed, resulting in traffic chaos in Berlin. This has to be addressed.
There are many different ways of doing this such as redistributing the space more equally between users by limiting traffic flow on the site. This can be achieved by making the road a one way zone, or resituating the road in a way that it goes around the new square. Alternatively one could prohibit the flow of traffic on this site altogether. Every one of these alternatives should be supplemented by new services and facilities such as coffee shops, small restaurants, kiosks, etc. that could be located under two roof structures situated on the edge of the Tiergarten. These structures can also house the equipment needed for sound and light installations at special events, preventing current situation of the site being filled with trucks and technical equipment.
As a result of our proposals the Tiergarten Platz will be reinstated with its natural form for Berliners to enjoy freely and take advantage of its unique position in the city.
Zvi Hecker, 16 Februar 2010
