Alexanderplatz

Berlin, Germany

Photo © Juergen Voss

Visualization © WES LandscapeArchitecture

Photo © Juergen Voss

Site plan

Landscape Architects: WES LandscapeArchitecture

Location: Berlin, Germany
Year: 2007
Client: Senatsverwaltung für Stadtentwicklung und Umwelt - Berlin
Project period: 2003-2007
Size: 36.000 m²
Competition: 2004, 1st prize
Realisation: WES & Partner
Partners: gmp Architekten von Gerkan, Marg und Partner, Hamburg | Kardorff Ingenieure Lichtplanung GmbH, Berlin | Hans-Hermann Krafft, Berlin

Alexanderplatz is a cosmopolitan square, a place of communication, a stage for all social classes. In contrast to the Marx-Engels-Forum, which is dominated by greenery, it has been built as a stone plaza.

The spacious square with a grid made up of large slabs provides an adequate basis for the diversity and structure of the facades overlooking the square and has a calm, uniform appearance.

The world clock, the Fountain of Friendship amongst Peoples, as well as the stairs leading down to the metros, all protected monuments, have been integrated into the square as a historical reminiscence. With the bases, made of lighter coloured natural stone, they are like playing pieces on a stage – not organized according to any visible principle and scattered across the square.

“(…) the concept is convincing due to the impact of the design, which harmoniously combines elegance with the raw and lively character of a city plaza, for which this place has stood ever since Döblin’s novel “Berlin Alexanderplatz. (…)” Excerpt from jury protocol