In a few words, why Berlin?
We chose Berlin for its unique position as both a centre of culture as well as nature, for its rich history and the fact that the concept of sustainable development has been integrated into the city's infrastructure.
We were especially interested in the transition process of this city once divided, which surmounted an enormous challenge of social and economic re-harmonisation between two territories deeply marked by history. Therefore, we purposefully decided NOT to base our study trip only in an "environmental neighborhood" but rather, we tried to get a broader perspective on the city's policies.
Tell us about the programme and what is your evaluation of the experience?
The trip was enriching in many aspects. I'll highlight a few in particular here:
First, Berlin's example in terms of zoning and quality of life in consultation with its population:
a city planner works for the city and Berlin has made efforts to provide its citizens plenty of green space (parks in the city center and community gardens), helping prevent the feeling of suffocation. As a result, stronger neighborhood involvement and community development can be seen.
Berlin has proven itself to be a source of inspiration in terms of city planning and sustainable urban development.
The dimension of sustainability was made visible via a number of projects (creation of "green" pathways, creation of cultural spaces along the Spree, the restructuring of flight patterns and airports to ban flights over the city)
We visited the l'UFA-Fabrik, community and learning centre active in promoting social and ecological cultural activities (photovoltaics pannels, windmills, river water recuperations systems), as well as the "community gardens" thanks to a director of a local neighborhood association who offered a presentation.
We were equally impressed with Berlin's architecture: its unique architectural style offering prestigious and audacious urban building projects mixing both tradition and modernity across the city.
This architectural multitude creates a number of possibilities for evolution but also confronts the city with the issue of its economic development. At times there is tension between its cultural identity as evidenced by the flight of art to places further and further from the center.
This vibrant city is embracing its future, and keeping quality of life as a watchword. However, we did observe artistic creation relocating outside the city center. (the closing of Tacheless, the Kreuzberg artists migrating to the northeast of the city) The sale of the former post office, which housed temporary exhibits, to a Japanese group seeking to transform it into a shopping center is another sign.
Sure, Berlin is alive architecturally, but for how long?...
These field visits also gave us the chance to put the knowledge gained in our course Architecture and Environment into practice.
Finally, we were able to forge strong ties, experienced the birth of a real "family spirit" during the trip guaranteeing a rich network for after our studies. These ties also extend to the promotion of the Master 1, which was integrated into our trip.
Photo Credits(c): Vincent Treuil, C. Quazzo
Thomas , Coralie, Vincent, Sébastien, Agnès and the group Master PEDD created this report.
For more on Master of Environmental Policies and Sustainable Development (in French)
