Pioneer Projects

Tempelhof Field has three main areas in proximity of the three entrances designated to experimental use and pilot projects described as pioneer projects or fields. These are available for citizen-led projects focused on social and ecological benefits.

The format of the pioneer projects came out of the consultation process and idea workshops held during 2007 and 2009 concerning the use of the Tempelhof Field. They are based on the idea of participatory and process-oriented land uses. First established in 2011, the format allows community oriented and common good initiatives and individuals to submit project proposals each year. Besides foregrounding communal or civil society rather than economic benefits, projects should primarily be based on voluntary contributions, ensure transparency and inclusivity and follow democratic principles. Proposals are evaluated by a committee. Projects can range from 1 to 5 years. Shorter initiatives or one-time events can be submitted through a separate event category.

The Projects

Projects include a wide range of initiatives such as urban gardening, art projects, scientific outreach projects and STEM activities, bike repair stations, theater and acting projects, sporting and fitness infrastructure and programmes incl. minigolf courses, book exchange, a chess club and waste picking.

The Nature Experience Space

The Nature Experience Space located at the Northeast side of the field offers a near-nature play area for children. The site was first developed in 2010 as part of a collaboration between an elementary school and NGO and has been further developed by the state-owned company Grün Berlin in 2022.

Figure 1. Photo by Sabine Dörry, August 2022.
Figure 2. Photo by Sabine Dörry, August 2022.

Minigolf

A minigolf parkour installation is located near the Columbiadamm entrance to the field.

Figure 3. Photo by Sabine Dörry, August 2022.

Communal Gardening

The communal gardening project Allemende Kontor and the bike repair service can be found at the Northern edge of the field near the entrance at Oderstraße.

Figure 4. Photo by Julia Affolderbach, August 2022.
Figure 5. Photo by Julia Affolderbach, August 2022.
Created by
Julia Affolderbach, Sabine Dörry, Sylvain Klein, Cyrille Médard de Chardon, Ivonne Weichold, and Sahar Zavareh
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