Revamping Berlin's Marx-Engels-Forum: A Modern Transformation Begins

Berlin is set to undergo significant changes as the Marx-Engels-Forum in Mitte prepares for renovation. This area, which features prominent bronze statues of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, will soon become a construction site. Initial groundwork has already commenced, with full-scale construction slated to begin in June, as confirmed by the Senate Department for Transport and Urban Development.

The project encompasses a substantial 7.2-hectare area that includes the space between the iconic Fernsehturm, Marienkirche, Red City Hall, and the Spree River. The goal is to transform this historic site, which has been void of previous buildings since their destruction during World War II, into a vibrant public space by 2027. Plans for the redesign are based on insights gathered from an international design competition.

The project will be managed by Grün Berlin, a state-owned enterprise responsible for the development and oversight of the initiative. The total investment for the transformation is projected to be approximately EUR33.9 million, according to the environmental administration.

One of the key aspects of the redesign involves the Spree riverbank, which will be reconfigured to enhance accessibility and provide a gathering space for both locals and visitors. This area will feature new stairways and ramps to ensure it is barrier-free. Planned amenities include recreational, sporting, and play facilities, promoting community engagement.

Preparatory work has already started, with the establishment of a rainwater infiltration area covering about 870 square meters. This initiative is designed to manage stormwater sustainably, allowing rainwater to seep into the ground rather than directly entering the drainage system. Such measures are deemed essential in promoting resource conservation across the city.

As part of the initial stages of the project, 35 trees have been removed in compliance with environmental regulations, with plans in place to replace them with an equal number of new trees by the time the revamped forum opens. The focus will be on selecting tree species that are resilient to changing climate conditions, thereby enhancing the overall climate resilience of the area.

The renovation of the Marx-Engels-Forum signifies a crucial step in revitalizing this central part of Berlin, aiming to create a more accessible, environmentally friendly, and engaging public space.