High-rise structures planned for Tempelhof airport, housing 5,000 dwelling units according to Langhof's proposal.
In the heart of Berlin, architect Prof. Dr. Christoph Langhof has presented a new plan for the reutilization of the decommissioned Tempelhof Airport. The proposal, certain to be a contentious topic, aims to co-create the new, rather than just preserving the past, for the iconic airport.
Langhof, a Berlin resident since the 1970s, is advocating for a "manifesto for offensive heritage protection." He envisions up to 5,000 housing units in twelve new high-rise buildings, which he believes will ignite the spirit of further urban renewal.
The Tempelhof Airport's impressive ensemble, including the existing hangars and extensive cellar systems, should be preserved, according to Langhof. He proposes setting up children's gardens, schools, sports, and cultural facilities in modular, sustainable wooden construction under the hangar roofs.
Tempelhof, with its rich history and significance for Berliners, should not be a barrier but a source of inspiration, Langhof argues. He suggests that the standstill on the vast Tempelhof area can be broken by integrating the past into a new narrative for urban renewal.
The capital Berlin is growing and needs courageous ideas for new spaces for intelligent residential construction, according to Langhof. He believes that Tempelhof can become a model case, a place where the past does not block but inspires and drives productivity forward.
Langhof's proposal is a bold move towards revitalizing the Tempelhof Airport, offering a unique blend of preservation and innovation. As the debate continues, it remains to be seen how Berlin will navigate this contentious topic and shape the future of this iconic site.
