Green corridor Kosmosviertel

Designed by hochC Landscape Architecture

Location: Berlin — Germany — Type: Parks — Playgrounds — Residential Parks — Built: 2026 — Show on Google Maps

The Kosmos neighbourhood is located in south-east Berlin and was developed until 1991. The green corridor of the district comprises approximately 5.5 hectares of public green space and is being developed in line with contemporary standards. The result is an open space that gives the Kosmos neighbourhood a sense of community and identity, based largely on the wishes and suggestions of local residents.

The focus is on sustainability, usability for all, the elimination of areas that cause anxiety, and a barrier-free and low-maintenance design of public open spaces.

Water and greenery

Rainwater management was based on the sponge city principle. Almost all rainwater is absorbed on site in troughs, swales, tree swales, deep beds or open spaces. The planting was designed with large, natural and extensive meadow areas, and in some areas also with representative shrubs and grasses. Maintenance and more extensive care are important components of the new plan.

Small bodies of water are particularly important in urban areas for the microclimate, species protection and local recreation. The existing pond was ecologically restored so that it can once again perform its ecosystem services.

Water management was revised to prevent drying out. The redesign of the pond has created two areas: a retention and clarification area and a biotope area. The landscape design includes a platform by the pond so that visitors can experience the element of water.

Activities

Attractive recreational areas were created in the form of smaller and larger neighbourhood squares, and playgrounds were redesigned and developed with activities for all ages. In response to increasingly hot summers, trees and canopies provide sufficient shade. Raised beds were planned for committed residents to enable them to garden together. The playgrounds have now been modernised and expanded into creative themed areas for different age groups. Sufficient lighting has been provided along the paths and various orientation and interactive information elements have been installed in the form of steles.

Process

The neighbourhood management was an important partner in the planning process. In addition, the landscape architecture was able to benefit from specialist planning support, e.g. for rainwater, pond renovation, electrical planning and engineering. In addition, an art object, the Kosmo, was commissioned through a separate competition.

During the many construction phases, existing materials and furnishings were continuously removed, temporarily stored and then reused or repurposed. This also includes the clinker bricks that characterise the Kosmos district. The public green corridor was implemented with funding.