Berlin's Ernst-Reuter-Platz gets a climate-resilient makeover to beat urban heat
Ernst-Reuter-Platz, one of Berlin's busiest traffic hubs, is being transformed into a climate-resilient space. The borough of Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf has launched a project to adapt the 7,000-square-metre grassy median to extreme weather. The initiative aims to combat rising temperatures and improve biodiversity in an area known for intense urban heat.
The square's soil has been enriched with around 60 tons of high-quality compost. This improves water retention and supports healthier plant growth during heatwaves. Additionally, approximately 70,000 native flower bulbs—including 25,000 wild tulips and 45,000 grape hyacinths—have been planted to boost biodiversity and natural cooling.
Regional seed mixes, better suited to Berlin's climate, have replaced traditional grass. These hardier plants increase evaporation, helping to lower surface temperatures that can exceed 60°C in summer. The project also serves as a test case for broader climate adaptation efforts across the borough. The Technical University of Berlin is monitoring the site to refine maintenance techniques. Data collected will guide similar projects in other urban heat hotspots. This transformation is part of a wider strategy to adapt streets, squares, and green spaces to climate change, using both large-scale and smaller-scale interventions.
The changes at Ernst-Reuter-Platz aim to create a cooler, more resilient public space. Improved soil, native plants, and scientific monitoring will help the area withstand extreme weather. The borough plans to apply lessons from this project to other parts of Berlin facing similar climate challenges.
