Tempelhofer Feld, Berlin

Since the airport closed in 2008, Tempelhofer Feld has been the subject of intense public debate about the future of the site. The area is enormous – larger than Central Park – while the airport building itself, at 300,000 m², is one of Europe’s largest buildings.

In the proposal Tempelhofer Atem, the underlying landscapes and cultural-historical traces of the former airport are re-established. By reopening the drained soils, enhancing natural values, and creating new recreational areas, the project contributes to climate adaptation, cooling overheated Berlin summers, strengthening urban biodiversity, and supporting long-term sustainable urban development. New perimeter development along the site’s edge functions both as a noise barrier and as a structural transition between city and landscape.

The large scale of the landscape and its significant cultural-historical layers form the backdrop for a varied sequence of experiences. The former airfield is connected to the city through new spatial sequences where nature and culture unfold side by side. This creates a beautiful and diverse urban landscape where the “breath of Tempelhof” – the connection between sky and earth, city andnature – becomes tangible.

With more than 275 participants, the project builds on broad citizen involvement and strengthens the framework for social communities. New housing is combined with cultural and sports facilities, providing the foundation for a vibrant urban district with affordable homes, citizen-driven activities, and shared public spaces. Tempelhofer Feld remains a recreational heart for all Berliners, where community and everyday life can thrive as part of the city’s development.

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