Kormoranweg, Berlin, Germany

Berlin is a growing city, outpacing the development of affordable living space. The IDEAL living cooperative is fighting this challenge head-on, and their mission of constructing new-build apartments stays true to their motto of “life-long right to equitable rent.” To achieve this, they use sites between row houses from the 50’s. In order to create beneficial conditions for both the original inhabitants of the area and the newcomers, the landscape is improved through the addition of lawns and singular trees between the apartments. New and old buildings are incorporated into a green swath with a promenade carved through it. On the path, there are groups of small stations such as tenant gardens, playground and district meeting spots, with amenities for people of all ages. The multitude of new trees, shrubs and bushes transform the open space between the apartments into an attractive park.