diehl(at)stiftungzukunftberlin.eu
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Tempelhof
Following the closure of Tempelhof Airport, Berlin stumbled into an unexpected debate on the future of the site. All sides wanted to see quick results, but no one was strategically prepared for the discussion. That is a toxic cocktail encouraging rash and second-rate suggestions for the site’s future use.
The Stiftung Zukunft Berlin is actively supporting efforts to develop optimal use concepts for the grounds of the former Tempelhof airport and is also helping to draw up suggestions for the meaningful reutilization of the site and for development of the central area around Berlin’s Marienkirche (Church of St. Mary).
"Tempelhof is a place steeped in tradition and engendering emotions, and the reutilization concept must take sufficient account of this fact!" - Detlev Ganten
What Tempelhof Needs is a Grand Idea
The Tempelhof Scout System is a group of entrepreneurs, architects, scientists and academics, operating under the umbrella of the Stiftung Zukunft Berlin, who have joined forces to explore ideas for the reutilization of the former Tempelhof Airport and its airfield. They want to use their influence to ensure that this site – tremendous in both size and potential – attracts equally tremendous ideas and projects instead of being paved over with the product of rushed, minor projects.
Background
A central inner-city locale like the former Tempelhof Airport is, despite its chequered history, a globally unique creation – the product of an impressive architectural vision. For such a tradition-steeped site, it seems appropriate to develop a use concept that reflects mankind’s dream of flying. The history of the Berlin Airlift also makes Tempelhof a symbol of higher values like freedom and humanity. That is why it is not enough to address the topic of aviation from a purely museal perspective. Instead, a concept for the site’s use should embody a vision encompassing the future of flying or even the broader issue of global communication.
Another conceivable option is to use the site for a major scientific development – or even visual arts – project. In keeping with liberal tradition, this unique expanse of land in the middle of a metropolis should be reserved for a great, future-oriented project.