Tempelhof, a pre-war airport, ceased operations in late 2008. Rather than destroy the building or let it waste away, it has been converted into one of Berlin’s largest parks known as Tempelhofer Feld. Tempelhof has since been used to hold events such as parades, fairs, and music festivals. The interior building has also been used to house refugees in recent years. Plans to stop housing refugees in the former airport are in place, with a goal to empty the hangars during 2017.
Primarily, Tempelhof is now one of if not the largest green spaces in the entire city of Berlin. The runways are now used for biking, running, skating, and other activities. Green grassy areas are used for activities such as picnicking, flying kites, and community gardening.
Image via VisitBerlin
Public-access community gardening is one thing that Berlin is taking seriously. PAC gardens aim to educate and familiarize urban communities about their dependence on nature, and the responsibility that humans have to preserve and care for the Earth. Often times in urban communities, like Berlin, it can be difficult for citizens to see their relationship with nature. The goal of inserting living eco-systems in urban environments remains that future urban generations will continue to value nature conservation and environmental learning.