Potsdamer Platz

Potsdamer Platz was truly an amazing sight, this Mixed-Use Development in Berlin – design by Renzo Piano. Viewing the integration of old meeting the new, a comforting factor taken into play during process of design is how the Germans were really thinking of resiliency and sustainability features. Taken from their history, building for long term was competent in their design process. Not only were they trying to rebuild the city, but it was the vastness and speed processing taken into encounter.  For an example, British environmental architect Richard Rodgers designed commercial buildings with residential above, combining living features while incorporating green roof systems and ventilation hoods for air circulation, bringing the outdoors in. This helped with heating and cooling techniques in the buildings as well. The commercial community circular structures had doubled skin facaéd with natural rotation from seasons and sunlight allowing the natural light indoors also maintaining comfortable temperatures. The buildings across from these commercial/residential structures have more residential apartments. For mass construction these buildings are moderns and very geometric, for the time of construction this was extremely beneficial while rebuilding the city after control from the Soviets and the division of east and west Berlin. It has been especially moving, observing the integration of new and old in the city. They also reserved parking spots for smart carts with electric charging stations. This is not only interesting for visitors but a subconscious reminder to the residents to possibly invest in an Eco-friendly car eliminating the toxic fumes and gases from regular vehicles. After studying how important it is for design to incorporate sustainable strategies it's pleasing to see how the Germans took that into play during the design process.

It is so significant for our future to think this way. On our tour lead by Lukas Kronawitter, architect and planner with diverse experience in research and sustainable design, gave us the opportunity to learn more about the recycled water systems in the city. Some techniques incorporated to this design was adding filters on edges of the lake. With surface filters on the bottom of the system and rippling down into a collection system, this helps maintain levels of water. Balancing the minerals in the water is significant which is why coy fish were added as seen in the upper right photo. The natural system is recycling and helping with research on reusable water systems. Berlin has defiantly showed they are designing for resilience.