Innovative Cooling Gardens Launched in Tegel to Combat Urban Heat

Berlin is taking significant strides towards becoming a 'sponge city' with the implementation of innovative cooling gardens at the former Tegel Airport site. This initiative involves the controlled evaporation of rainwater using vegetation to help mitigate the effects of urban heat.

The project features a series of evaporation beds spanning 450 square meters, designed to absorb rainwater and facilitate its gradual release into the atmosphere through plant leaves. This natural process not only cools the surrounding environment but also addresses the challenge of managing rainwater sustainably.

The concept aligns with the 'sponge city' approach, which advocates for the utilization of rainwater on-site instead of channeling it into the sewage system. This strategy aims to alleviate the impact of heat waves and improve resilience against heavy rainfall events. However, managing these gardens requires careful attention to ensure they receive a consistent supply of water without becoming waterlogged or drying out.

The project is part of a larger collaborative effort involving the Technical University of Berlin, the Berlin University of Applied Sciences, the urban developer Tegel Projekt, and the Berlin Water Company. Academic institutions are providing scientific oversight, with the Technical University focusing on plant development while the Berlin University of Applied Sciences monitors water management.

The goal of this pilot project is to test and refine the technology in a realistic urban setting. Success in this endeavor is expected to lead to the implementation of similar systems in the upcoming Schumacher Quarter, a new residential area planned to accommodate 10,000 residents in the vicinity of the former airport.

Since 2018, Berlin has mandated decentralized rainwater management for new buildings, directing rainwater to be retained on-site except in exceptional circumstances. Recently, the state's environmental agency unveiled a 'blue-green alliance' aimed at coordinating development efforts among city planning, state properties, and water management authorities.