Franz-Mehring-Platz by GM013 Landschaftsarchitektur

Franz-Mehring-Platz – From Asphalt to Urban Landscape

Franz-Mehring-Platz, located between Berlin’s Ostbahnhof and Karl-Marx-Allee, has been radically reimagined as a multifunctional and inclusive urban square. Once dominated by traffic and sealed surfaces, the area is now a lively green public space that reflects ecological thinking, social openness, and urban identity. The project reclaims this underused site as a social and ecological anchor within a dynamically evolving neighborhood.

The design introduces a sculpted, soft landscape: grassy dunes, wildflower meadows, and open lawns replace asphalt and traffic. Vehicular movement has been removed from the plaza core, giving way to a central gathering space that supports a range of informal and programmed uses — from everyday relaxation to cultural events, political forums, and public celebrations. Seat walls in iridescent warm-colored rammed concrete define spatial edges while offering informal places to meet, pause, or read.

The topography plays with the existing elevation change between street and building entrance, creating terraces and gentle slopes. These landscape formations enable diverse atmospheres and spatial sequences: an open forecourt for gatherings, a sunlit lawn for informal play or rest, and shaded areas for retreat. The landscape responds to movement patterns and frames the plaza as a spatial counterpoint to the surrounding infrastructure.

Ecological quality is central. The majority of trees were preserved and integrated into the new layout, including a prominent central plane tree that structures the space and provides shade. New robinias and a tree row along Straße der Pariser Kommune reinforce the green character and guide views. Wildflower planting and lawn mounds create a resilient, low-maintenance and biodiverse landscape, with seating embedded in the terrain.

A space emerges that combines flexible use with the creation of visibility and identity, establishing itself as an integral element of the urban landscape. The square provides a new, clear address for the FMP1 publishing building – a creative hub and co-working space – enhancing its presence in the cityscape. At the same time, it becomes a key link in a larger ecological corridor stretching from the Spree River to Volkspark Friedrichshain — contributing to Berlin’s green infrastructure and climate resilience.

Accessibility, openness and orientation define the spatial experience. All parts of the site are fully barrier-free and visually connected. The plaza is both intuitive to use and rich in atmosphere, with clear transitions between active and calm zones. Materials were chosen for robustness, warmth, and long-term economy: exposed concrete and permeable paving form a tactile and climate-conscious surface.

Franz-Mehring-Platz exemplifies a holistic approach to urban open space: topographic clarity, ecological function, social openness and material resilience come together to create a generous and contemporary civic landscape. It is an unmistakable place of dialogue — between past and present, city and nature, people and public life.

• Other credits:
photo credit: Jonathan Palanco

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