Monday, March 17
Where are all the trees? Gendarmenmarkt renovation raises questions
Last Thursday, one of Berlin’s most iconic locations reopened to the public following a renovation that had been underway since October 2022 and cost the city €21 million. However, the square’s new look quickly sparked questions on social media: where are all the trees? Some users even compared the new “stone desert” with historic depictions and found that, even around 1900, the famous market square featured fountains and grass lawns, giving it a more ecological character.
Somewhat ironically, the redesign was undertaken by an urban development firm called Grün Berlin, and their project was mindful of sustainability. An extensive underground infrastructure improves wastewater management and supplies electricity, while a rainwater distribution system collects precipitation and feeds it into the groundwater in an effort to improve the city’s water supply.
Despite these efforts – and the commendable goal of making the square fully accessible – many Berliners appear to miss the opportunity to sit in the shade of a tree.
