Urban Legacy of Berlin

Abstract

This article examines the urban legacy of Berlin in two areas: 1) the urban form used as a design guidelinefor Urban Renewal since the German Unification in 1989, originating from the Industrial Revolution era, and2) Guidelines for public consultation, which are used in the urban renewal process. The study found that theparticular urban form promoted as unique to Berlin consists of 1) tenement houses in height unexceeded 22meters, with a façade of natural stone 2) corridor streets and 3) public squares. The emulation of its urbanlegacy through urban renewal reinforces and accentuates Berlin’s urban identity.
 As for the second issue, the public consultation appears in urban renewal processes in Berlin in a varietyof forms and covers a wide range of levels. Examples of such activities are the special committee, the publichearing and the presentation of the results of design competitions through various public media. Such proceduresinitiate dialogues among people which shape public understanding, awareness of a project’s importance andalso its acceptance; and eventually successful urban renewal with a balance of physical, economic and socialaspects.