Sustainability and Berlin’s Abandoned Airfields: A New Life for Tempelhof

By: Lillian Boudreau

Studying abroad in Berlin offers students an opportunity to experience how cities can creatively repurpose their history to build a more sustainable future. One of these such examples in Tempelhofer Feld, a former airfield that has been converted into a massive public park and a hub for urban sustainability.

Tempelhof Airport was originally built in the 1920s and was expanded during the nazi regime, making it a notable site during the Cold War. When the airport closed in 2008, debates arose about its future. Community members combatted urban development pressures, leaving the field as a public open space and breeding ground for native species. Today, Tempelhofer Feld stands as a testament to Berlin’s commitment to sustainability and community-oriented urban planning.

Stretching over 300 hectares, the park is one of the largest urban open spaces in the world. For students studying sustainability, Tempelhofer Feld serves as a living case study of how abandoned infrastructure can be adapted for ecological and social benefit. The former runways now accommodate cyclists, skaters, and runners, while the sprawling grass fields provide space for picnics, community gardens, and even urban beekeeping initiatives.

One of the park’s standout sustainability projects is the Allmende-Kontor, a large community garden located on the airfield. Locals and volunteers cultivate organic vegetables, herbs, and flowers, fostering biodiversity and promoting sustainable agriculture practices. During class excursions, I had the opportunity to explore the garden and get a hands-on experience with the area. 

Tempelhofer Feld also hosts workshops and events focused on renewable energy, waste reduction, and climate activism. Solar panels, composting stations, and ecological art installations scattered throughout the park encourage visitors to think critically about sustainability in everyday life.

It’s not just a park, it’s a place where Berliners actively engage with ideas about community, green living, and preserving public resources. For students, the park represents the intersection of sustainability and social equity, showing how cities can prioritize environmental goals while honoring the needs of their residents.

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