Schumacher Quartier
The new urban neighborhood where Berlin is surpassing itself.
Berlin is growing and needs affordable housing. On the site of the former Tegel Airport, the Schumacher Quartier is taking shape as a new, vibrant part of the city: over 5,000 new flats for more than 10,000 people. The development is being planned with a focus on, amongst other things, hybrid timber construction, an innovative low-temperature energy network, energy efficiency and a socially mixed community.
As a smart, socially diverse urban neighbourhood, the Schumacher Quartier makes an important contribution to housing provision and urban development in Berlin. This is underpinned by seven guiding principles agreed upon by all partners involved in a joint charter.
Urban living spaces
Vibrant cities thrive on their diversity – in people, land uses, and buildings. The Schumacher Quartier lays the foundation for a vibrant community by allocating development sites to various public-interest organizations, thereby creating a diverse range of housing options.
Housing for all
The Schumacher Quartier is designed to accommodate a diverse urban community and is open to everyone, regardless of age, income, or lifestyle. Half of the apartments will be built by municipal housing authorities, with half of those falling under rent-controlled housing. The remaining development sites will be allocated to housing cooperatives, building groups, and special housing models such as student housing or multigenerational living. This will create a neighborhood that not only promises a sense of community but also incorporates it into the planning from the very beginning.
Urban greenery and public space
Green spaces and public areas in the Schumacher Quartier are more than just decoration – they are places to linger, play, breathe deeply and meet people. Parks, squares and green spaces in front of cafés, nurseries and homes give the neighbourhood its character. Particular emphasis is placed on promoting biodiversity: the green spaces are intended not only to enhance the quality of life in the neighbourhood, but also to create habitats and food sources for animals and plants. (References for this statement)
Open educational landscape
Climate-Friendly Neighborhood development
The Schumacher Quartier takes a two-pronged approach to climate protection: climate adaptation and a clear focus on CO₂ reduction. The ‘sponge city’ principle stands for the sensible management of water – it protects against the consequences of heavy rainfall and reduces heat build-up on hot summer days. CO₂ reduction, energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy sources are key building blocks on the path to a low-emission urban neighbourhood. This is evident in everyday life through water-retaining open spaces, photovoltaic systems, timber-hybrid construction and shade-providing roofs. (References for these statements)
Mobility for Everyone
Those who are mobile can participate in life. In line with its commitment to developing a climate-friendly neighbourhood, the Schumacher Quartier focuses on integrating public transport, cycling, walking, car-sharing and bike-sharing services, which enable people to make many journeys without their own car and offer attractive alternatives for everyday life. The streets, paths, squares and green spaces give priority to cyclists and pedestrians, thereby becoming spaces for active travel. (References for this statement)
Communication, Participation, and Transparency
Urban living spaces
Vibrant cities thrive on their diversity – in people, land uses, and buildings. The Schumacher Quartier lays the foundation for a vibrant community by allocating development sites to various public-interest organizations, thereby creating a diverse range of housing options.
Housing for all
The Schumacher Quartier is designed to accommodate a diverse urban community and is open to everyone, regardless of age, income, or lifestyle. Half of the apartments will be built by municipal housing authorities, with half of those falling under rent-controlled housing. The remaining development sites will be allocated to housing cooperatives, building groups, and special housing models such as student housing or multigenerational living. This will create a neighborhood that not only promises a sense of community but also incorporates it into the planning from the very beginning.
Urban greenery and public space
Green spaces and public areas in the Schumacher Quartier are more than just decoration – they are places to linger, play, breathe deeply and meet people. Parks, squares and green spaces in front of cafés, nurseries and homes give the neighbourhood its character. Particular emphasis is placed on promoting biodiversity: the green spaces are intended not only to enhance the quality of life in the neighbourhood, but also to create habitats and food sources for animals and plants. (References for this statement)
Open educational landscape
Schools, daycare centers, youth recreation centers, and cultural and educational institutions are cornerstones of public life. An educational campus is being built in the Schumacher Quartier, offering childcare and educational programs for everyone – from young to old.
Climate-Friendly Neighborhood development
The Schumacher Quartier takes a two-pronged approach to climate protection: climate adaptation and a clear focus on CO₂ reduction. The ‘sponge city’ principle stands for the sensible management of water – it protects against the consequences of heavy rainfall and reduces heat build-up on hot summer days. CO₂ reduction, energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy sources are key building blocks on the path to a low-emission urban neighbourhood. This is evident in everyday life through water-retaining open spaces, photovoltaic systems, timber-hybrid construction and shade-providing roofs. (References for these statements)
Mobility for Everyone
Those who are mobile can participate in life. In line with its commitment to developing a climate-friendly neighbourhood, the Schumacher Quartier focuses on integrating public transport, cycling, walking, car-sharing and bike-sharing services, which enable people to make many journeys without their own car and offer attractive alternatives for everyday life. The streets, paths, squares and green spaces give priority to cyclists and pedestrians, thereby becoming spaces for active travel. (References for this statement)
Communication, Participation, and Transparency
Particularly for an urban neighbourhood in the early stages of development, the involvement of (future) residents and dialogue with the wider community are of enormous importance. The further development of the site thrives on the ideas, input and involvement of private and public stakeholders. A future neighbourhood association will therefore promote thriving neighbourhoods and opportunities for participation. Furthermore, it will support the implementation of retail and mobility management.
Interactive map
Explore Schumacher Quartier.
Five concepts. One neighborhood.
Holzhybridbau, Wasser, Mobilität, Biodiversität und Energie – fünf Konzepte, die zusammen ein zukunftsfähiges Quartier ergeben.
Renting in the Schumacher Quarter.
Subsidised, diverse and designed to suit different lifestyles – here you’ll find all the information you need about renting a flat.
Construction in the Schumacher Quarter.
All the information about land allocation and the concept procedure in the Schumacher Quarter.
