Berlin's First Permanent 'Garden Street' Takes Root in Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg
Berlin's first permanent 'garden street' is set to take shape in Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg. Danneckerstraße, a temporary 'climate change' street since 2020, will soon undergo a major redesign inspired by Parisian models. The project aims to replace provisional features with long-term infrastructure, funded by a €1.6 million federal grant.
The transformation follows the 'sponge city' principle, focusing on removing paved surfaces and introducing greenery. Plans include planting trees, adding rainwater capture systems, and reducing impermeable materials. These changes align with Berlin's growing emphasis on de-paving, water management, and climate resilience.
The initiative has drawn both interest and scepticism. Local politicians question whether Paris serves as the right model, raising concerns about maintenance costs and resource use. Despite this, the district remains committed, with a delegation scheduled to visit Parisian 'rues jardin' in autumn 2025 for further inspiration.
Since 2020, Danneckerstraße has operated as a trial 'climate change' street with traffic calming measures and temporary installations. The upcoming redesign will make these changes permanent. However, no other Berlin streets are currently planned for similar transformations, leaving Danneckerstraße as the sole test case for now.
The success of the project hinges on its execution, public reception, and ongoing maintenance. If proven effective, it could influence future street redesigns across the city. For now, Danneckerstraße stands as Berlin's first step toward integrating climate-adaptive infrastructure into urban planning.
