Message by Christian Gaebler

I am delighted that the Architekten- und Ingenieurverein zu Berlin-Brandenburg (AIV) has chosen to focus on this crucial topic for our city – public space – as part of the exhibition “always modern! Berlin and its streets”. Public spaces define a city‘s character and atmosphere. We, the Senate Department for Urban Development, Building and Housing, wholeheartedly support this exhibition. It highlights our streets as the heart of urban life: they are not mere
thoroughfares but vital public spaces for community and interaction. The exhibition traces the history of Berlin’s streetscape, charting the different ideas and changes that have shaped it. While urban planners primarily focused on creating a “car-friendly city” until the 1960s, the last two decades have witnessed a shift in approach. Public spaces have been reclaimed by the people.

The public space provided by our streets is essential for democratic engagement. Where else do people from such diverse backgrounds come together? Preserving public space is therefore crucial for maintaining a cohesive society. As urban populations grow, public spaces face increasing and varied demands. This necessitates their active design and continual reassessment. For this reason, Berlin has launched various measures and programmes in recent years, such as the Berlin squares programme, which has already made over 50 squares throughout the city more attractive. New urban districts, like Wasserstadt in Spandau and the former freight station site in Köpenick, are creating neighbourhoods with spacious pavements and squares that offer high-quality public space for everyone.

I hope you will enjoy exploring this exhibition and its catalogue and may you gain new insights.