Reuse of a cemetery as a green public space
Location: Berlin Prenzlauer Berg
Size: 1.5 ha
Project duration: 2010 – 2012
Client: Pankow District Administration, Berlin
Project type: participation and site planning
The Winsviertel in Berlin’s Pankow district has far too few green spaces. Local residents in the vicinity of St. Marien und St. Nikolai IIcemetery convinced the district administration to purchase a large plot of land (approx. 1.5 hectares) in the cemetery to ensure it would not be built on. The district administration set the development objective: an extensively designed park with play areas.
Many of the results of the public participation process were implemented in the redesign. Several parts of the cemetery were left in their original state and cemetery remnants were preserved, such as about 40 gravestones and much of the existing cemetery vegetation. Benches, wooden platforms, balancing elements and a small observation tower were constructed in the northern area of the park whilst the southern area has retained its wild character.
Leise Park – this name (quiet park) was suggested by local children – is now actively used by all age groups. It is a place to relax, play, sunbathe and even celebrate children’s birthdays.
