Redistricting Debate: Revamping the Old Town or Developing a Modern District?
In the heart of Berlin, a significant urban planning project is underway. The competition aims to breathe new life into Berlin's oldest settlement area, Molkenmarkt, located in the city centre. The project, managed by the Senate Department for Urban Development, Building and Housing, is a collaborative effort to create a future-oriented, diverse design that complements the area's rich historical site.
The competition has garnered attention, with Deutschlandfunk dedicating a report to the topic. The report featured interviews with Senate Building Director Petra Kahlfeldt and historian Dr. Benedikt Goebel, offering insights into the project's goals and the significance of the Molkenmarkt area.
The development prioritises affordable housing, cultural, and commercial uses, with a focus on historical sensitivity, particularly in handling archaeological finds. The jury, working anonymously, will evaluate the submitted designs, with the state-owned Berlin-Mitte Housing Association (WBM) set to take over the realization of the chosen design after the evaluation.
The Molkenmarkt area is divided into three separate zones, each with unique requirements for development. Since July 2025, the selected architectural firms have been working on the designs for the northern part of Block B at the Molkenmarkt site, situated between Grunerstraße, Molkenmarkt, and Jüdenstraße.
The public will have the opportunity to view the results of the competition at a planned exhibition in November 2025. The competition ties in with the long history of the site, aiming to make historical traces visible while creating a vibrant new city quarter.
Further articles on Molkenmarkt, the historic Berlin Mitte, and the handling of historical heritage can be found. The report also includes the views of Berliners, providing insight into the public mood regarding the rebuilding of Molkenmarkt.
This urban planning competition at Molkenmarkt is divided into three distinct lots, each with unique requirements for the participating architectural firms. The deadline for submitting designs is at the end of September 2025. The competition promises to be a significant step in the continued evolution of Berlin's cityscape.
