Berlin's Concrete Jungle: 21 Million Bucks for a Brick Wasteland - How on Earth Did This Happen?
- by Clara Suchy
- 4 Mins
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Politicians from CDU and Left rarely see eye-to-eye, but they agreed on something big: giving Gendarmenmarkt a makeover. It cost a whopping 21 million euros, took two years of construction, and resulted in a 14,000 square meter paved area that's been slammed by critics across the political spectrum. The newly revamped Gendarmenmarkt in Berlin-Mitte has sparked a storm of criticism, with even CDU Bundestag member Armin Laschet finding it "incomprehensible from aesthetic, monument preservation, and climate resilience perspectives."
Former Left Bundestag member Niema Movassat, on the other hand, described the newly renovated square as a "hideous concrete wasteland in 70s style." While the square may look like a brick desert and could be a bit uninviting in the summer sun, it's not as environmentally disastrous as it seems. Six rainwater retention basins were installed under the paving, allowing rainwater to seep into the ground and replenish groundwater—something that used to go straight into the sewer system before.
The state-owned company Green Berlin, responsible for the renovation, focused on sustainable and energy-efficient goals. The company claimed that the renovated Gendarmenmarkt is now primed for the future, based on a wide-ranging public participation process.
21 Million Euro Paved Square
But what exactly did Berlin-Mitte get for 21 million euros?
The renovation originated in 2009 when the senior building director Regula Lüscher wanted to restore Gendarmenmarkt. The idea was to remove the curbs to make the square barrier-free, get rid of the cable installations that were trip hazards, and revamp the old paving without destroying the historical identity of the square.
The grid pattern of the square, a remnant of its Nazi origins when transformed into a parade ground for the 1936 Olympics, played a major role in the reconstruction. Despite the environmental concerns, an unpaving of the square was a no-go. In 2021, Berlin's cultural senator Klaus Lederer explained, "This heritage must also be preserved. After all, the Gendarmenmarkt is the most significant postmodern place in the DDR."
The Friends of the Gendarmenmarkt association agrees that the monument-preserving design of the square has been successfully implemented. However, there's criticism regarding the state of the northern square behind the French Cathedral, where beloved globe beech trees are decaying, a state the association calls "shocking and embarrassing for Berlin."
Berliners Decide the Future of the Trees
The fact that there are still trees on the Gendarmenmarkt is thanks to the association's efforts. In 2010, the Senate wanted to fell all the trees around the French Cathedral to make the square completely barrier-free. But a one-time citizens' forum was held where Berliners could discuss the redesign of the square, especially regarding the 115 maple trees that provided shade around the French Cathedral. In the vote, 596 out of 876 participants voted for preserving the trees.
However, not everyone was happy with the outcome of the vote. Regula Lüscher, Senator for Urban Development, made it clear soon after that the administration would not adhere to this decision. "It cannot be assumed that not a single tree will be felled," she said in 2011 to the Berliner Zeitung.
Some trees had to be removed for barrier-free access, and others had to make way for the subway tunnel underneath them. New Japanese Zelkova trees, known for their resistance to heat, drought, and exhaust fumes, were planted on the south side.
Frank Keidel from the association understands why some trees had to be felled. But he finds it baffling that the Mitte district isn't taking care of the remaining trees. "21 million euros were spent on renovation," says Keidel. "But no money was invested in the care of the trees."
Social Media Roasts Gendarmenmarkt Revamp
Facts are facts: The renovation also earns plenty of laughs and criticism on social media, with many seeing it as another example of expensive major projects that ultimately fall flat.
*Note: The renovation took place in 2021, according to the context provided. However, as the new dataset doesn't specify the exact year, the article maintains the original year mentioned (2025).
Insights Adapted:
- Gendarmenmarkt is a significant public square in Berlin, attracting over 600,000 visitors annually, especially during its renowned Christmas market.
- Renovations in historic areas like Gendarmenmarkt typically involve a balance between preserving historical significance and incorporating modern, sustainable elements.
- Common criticisms of urban renovations include concerns about preserving historical authenticity, managing environmental impact, and ensuring that changes align with community needs.
- Modern renovations often prioritize sustainability, incorporating green spaces, energy-efficient systems, and reducing waste. Specific details about how these aspects were addressed in the Gendarmenmarkt renovation are not readily available.
- In the revamping of Gendarmenmarkt, a significant square in Berlin, a substantial budget of 21 million euros was allocated, with the aim of creating a more barrier-free and sustainable space.
- The renovation was controversial, as it resulted in a vast, paved area that critics found unattractive and environmentally unfriendly. However, it also included the installation of six rainwater retention basins under the paving.
- Despite the renovation's controversial reception, the Friends of the Gendarmenmarkt association acknowledged the successful preservation of historical elements during the renovation process. Yet, concerns were raised about the health of the globe beech trees in the northern square behind the French Cathedral, eliciting calls for better tree care and maintenance within the area.
