DIA_Wander

The site
The Fischerinsel (Fisherman’s Island) is the terra incognita of the fast-changing urban fabric of downtown Berlin. Two spatial concepts are at odds, each waiting for the other to concede. The situation is historic and complex. In spite of its prominent location, the southern tip of the island has always been a secondary district. During the cold war the socialist government decided to bulldoze all traces of pre-war fabric to build an ideal housing bubble for the new citizen. More recently Hans Stimmann’s Planwerk proposed an invasion of the traditional, the capitalist shark from across the street taking a bite out of an undefended space.

Canal
As a canal, Spree is an important element in the structure of Berlin. Long ago the canal of Berlin lost its main function as a supply route for construct products, an important circumstance allowing us to exploit other qualities of the waterway. The canal constitutes a long open space in the heart of the city and will, for that reason, strengthen the spacious layout and green image of Berlin. Only in the downtown area the canal will be bordered on both sides by housing areas. Therefore its backs will be (and has to be) easily accessible. It is in this area were the canal has a prominent presence with a possibility to anticipate functional changes in the future.

Gestalt Public Space: Centerpark
The possibility to enhance the total Canal Zone with a variety of functions should be captured. To use green areas as one of these important public functions is essential. The green areas in Berlin are numerous. One will easily find large and small parks, estates, lanes and gardens. Many small parks and gardens are remnants of the old estates were exclusive and opulent residents have been built. However, none of these green areas are located in the downtown area. Although representative and centrally located, the city center lacks public green that is so characteristic for Berlin. A good service link between green areas and Spree is neither noticeable. By linking parks with the canal on this location, I accomplish a strengthening of both of these components in the only existing Town Park in Berlin. The park, located on both sides of the canal, provides a convenient connection towards the Museum Island and the inner city from several neighborhoods. The park is to be seen as a part of a lager fabric and network.

Hybridization
The study area may be characterized as monotonous. Amongst the existing functions one will find a street dividing the site as two parts, a hotel and six high-rise buildings for urban dwellings. Hybridization of an urban area that complex requires a lot of flexibility. A network of convenient connections creates the possibility towards a more flexible filling-in of the intervening areas. This network will also enable a good social and economical structure. A connection performs its function well only when it is strengthened physically by implementing program in crucial places. This way a solid network and a new urban identity for a complex mixed area is created. In accordance with the urban fabric and layout of Berlin, I stress upon the importance of creating green areas to provide a strong identity as well as to realize a good connection for slower traffic.

Traffic flows
To optimize the use of the park as a connection for pedestrian and bicycle traffic, it is important to give different flows of traffic each a clear position in relation to the park. Next to and partly in the part is an important entrance for busses and cars coming from the south-east area. I renew the road which used to be to mitigate the traffic press of Fischerinsel. Str. Also, people can travel the whole island by bicycle if they want. By adding a new alternative route, it will reduce traffic press of Fischerinsel. Str and give way to traffic towards the bordering neighborhoods. In the car-free central zone of the study area, the park will be the back bone of the programmed interpretation.

Program
The program consists of 142456 square meters of dwellings, 30140 square meters of office, a hotel with 337 suits, café and sports facilities and other specific program which enable the park to become part of a solid network. The new route along the park though a restaurant on the Westside of the canal.