Encounter Zone Bergmannstraße Berlin

In 2011, Berlin took a decisive step towards becoming a more liveable city – with equal rights for pedestrians, cyclists, cars and public transport – by forging its Urban Development Plan for Transport. One element of the plan, the pedestrian strategy, aims to develop Berlin into a pedestrian-friendly city with attractive, safe and direct connections. For example, a “encounter zone” has been created in Bergmannstraße on a trial basis, where reversible measures will reduce the road space devoted to cars. The number of parking spaces for cars will also significantly decrease in favour of temporary parklets featuring recreational facilities. To illustrate the advantages of deceleration and pedestrianisation, temporary, structural changes were first carried out using simple means. The project included dialogues with citizens, residents and shop owners and can be made permanent or modified after evaluation. The interventions are intended to invite residents and visitors alike to directly occupy Bergmannstraße and to demonstrate new possibilities for the use and co-production of public space.