Berlin's Gendarmenmarkt Redesign Faces Backlash Over Lack of Greenery

The €21 million renovation aimed at accessibility and preservation has drawn criticism for its sparse greenery and perceived aesthetic shortcomings.

The redesign of Berlin's historic Gendarmenmarkt has been criticized for its limited greenery despite the addition of three Japanese trees.
The €21 million project prioritized accessibility, removing curbs and addressing hazards like exposed cables, while maintaining the site's historic paving pattern.
Critics, including politicians and citizens, have described the revamped square as a 'concrete wasteland' and lamented the loss of mature trees that once provided shade.
Proponents argue the redesign balances heritage preservation with modern needs, incorporating rainwater management systems to improve sustainability.
The redesign has sparked debate about urban planning priorities, with some defending the square's suitability for large events and others calling for more green spaces.