BY THE WATER

Urban Design Workshop By Kids

Kids re-envisioning Neukölln Ship Canal

The workshop “By the water” brought 12 kids togerther for 3 months in order to reflect on the water in various ways. Through 10-sessions of the workshop, kids had developed four visions for future development of the Neukölln Ship Canal.

The workshop was co-organized by Assemble and Echoes, in Berlin in Spring 2023

Each of the four team projects represents a unique spatial strategy. "Ferry Tale" focuses on the canal's longitudinal dimension, treating it as a mobility artery. "Watertopia" creates a system of spaces attached to the canal's coast. In contrast, "Floating Islands" deliberately detaches elements from the coasts. The "Greenway" project works on creating a bridgelike structure that spans across the canal.”Floating Islands” deliberately detaches elements from the coasts.The “Greenway” project works on creating a bridge-like structure that spans across the canal.

Visiting the project site and reflecting on existing conditions

A vision for new mobility

Contemporary cities are increasingly looking for new possibilities to expand and diversify their public transport infrastructure. The project “Ferry Tale” proposes to revitalize the Neukölln Ship Canal as a part of the Berlin’s public transportation network. The new water transit aims at creating new opportunities for mobility, leisure, and tourism throughout the city, developing a system of new mobility infrastructures and open spaces.new water transit aims at creating new opportunities for mobility, leisure, and tourism throughout the city, developing a system of new mobility infrastructures and open spaces. new water transit aims at creating new opportunities for mobility, leisure, and tourism throughout the city, developing a system of new mobility infrastructures

A vision for new mobility

Contemporary cities are increasingly looking for new possibilities to expand and diversify their public

“FERRY TALE”

by Kira Litvinova and Milana Nikolaenko

A vision for new mobility

Contemporary cities are increasingly looking for new possibilities to expand and diversify their public transport infrastructure. The project “Ferry Tale” proposes to revitalize the Neukölln Ship Canal as a part of the Berlin’s public transportation network. The new water transit aims at creating new opportunities for mobility, leisure, and tourism throughout the city, developing a system of new mobility infrastructures and open spaces.

Ferry stations

The ferry stations are designed as docks located over the water. These docks not only serve as functional transportation hubs but also function as new public spaces for the neighborhood. The surrounding areas of each ferry stations are transformed into accessible water amphitheaters, where the anonymous canal slopes become the public stairs that descends from the street level to the water surface.

Social catalyst

By incorporating the ferry stations and transforming the surrounding areas, the project seeks to enhance social interaction and expand the possibilities for the city’s residents and visitors. The water amphitheaters provide opportunities for people to gather and enjoy the waterfront environment. Additionally, the project’s integration with the public transportation network increases accessibility and connectivity across different parts of the city.

“WATERTOPIA”

by Misha Byshovetz and Myroslava Nikolaenko

Water city

The project “Watertopia” envisions the Neukölln Ship Canal as a pool of the possibilities for the city to develop new spatial configurations. It aims to utilize the surface of the canal as an additional resource for the city’s inhabitants, introducing a series of open and

The open spaces

A key element of the project is a long 3-sections platform that runs parallel to the canal. This platform comprises three interconnected open spaces, each with a distinct configuration. Each section is providing different experiences for the city dwellers, allowing people to engage with the canal in various ways.

Pavilions

In addition to the open public spaces, the project incorporates a number of pavilions - the cafe, the cinema, the pool and the labyrinth The pavilions are enclosed spaces situated above the water, directly accessible from the adjacent street.

“FLOATING ISLANDS”

by Matvii Bondarenko, Ustyna Levchun and Illia Korzh

Human & Animal habitat

The project “Floating islands” acknowledges the significance of the interests and needs of different groups of city dwellers, – humans as well as various animal species that inhabit the city. The aim of the intervention is to foster the habitats for various species and promote increased biodiversity within the city. It also aims to facilitate safer and more harmonious interactions between human and animal inhabitants.

To Replace

Islands-oases

The system of in-water islands, or oases are designed to provide the living spaces for waterfowl birds like ducks and swans, as well as insects and other waterdependent species. These islands are intentionally positioned away from the edges of the canal to offer animals a greater sense of privacy and tranquility.

The aquarium

Another element of the project is an aquarium that provides a window into the underwater life of the canal. It is designed as both an underwater and above-water structure. The underwater level can be reached through the elevator that is accessible from the street level through the bridge. Coming down with the elevator, the visitors can observe and appreciate the aquatic ecosystem.

“GREENWAY”

by Mark Pushkarov, Daniil Kravchenko and Polina Pushkarova

Widenbruchplatz extension

The project “Greenway” introduces a unique feature – a broad green bridge that spans the Neukölln Ship Canal, extending the Widenbruchplatz green area across the canal. The bridge has a distinctive design and positioning, creating one-of-a-kind public space

The bridge, with a total width of 30 meters, includes the circular openings that are offering passers-by the opportunity to observe through the bridge the calm water surface as well as the life of the canal. Two diagonal paths intersect the bridge, connecting the promenades on both sides of the canal. The space underneath the bridge is used as a café and a place for renting boats.

Space for local flora and fauna

The surface of the bridge has a dynamic topography, providing space for trees, shrubs, and grasses to grow above the water. By incorporating local vegetation, the project allows to diversify the plant and animal life in the area, contributing to increased biodiversity and creating a more ecologically vibrant urban environment.

Visions developed during the workshop were presented during the joint exhibition of ECHOES program, in AD Curatorial in Berlin, on 7-9th July of 2023