Berlin's Iconic Gateway to the World: For decades, Tegel Airport served as Berlin's bustling gateway to the world, shuttling millions of passengers to and from the German capital every year. However, as demand for air travel soared, the airport's 1970s charm struggled to keep up. In 2020, Tegel Airport closed its doors, leaving a monumental question in its wake: What to do with such a vast and historic site?
A New Vision Takes Flight: Berlin didn't let the former airport sit idle for long. The answer to its transformation lay in innovation, technology, and sustainable living. Today, the sprawling Tegel Airport site has evolved into a haven for technology companies, a center of higher learning, and even a glimpse into the homes of the future.
Preserving the Past, Embracing the Future: One of the most remarkable aspects of the Tegel Airport transformation is the commitment to preserving its architectural and historical significance. Iconic structures like the orange cargo halls and former workshops now house a budding community of startups. These companies are dedicated to pioneering urban tech innovations, including autonomous driving and various urban solutions. The goal is to maintain the heritage while inspiring fresh ideas and innovation, an endeavor encapsulated by the "ERM Tech Republic."
Building a Future-Ready Community: Beyond preserving the past, the Tegel Airport site is setting its sights on the future. Plans include the construction of more than 5,000 homes, serving as a test ground for sustainable living solutions. These homes are designed to be future-proof, catering to a world where drones play a more significant role in deliveries. The site will feature mobility hubs for drones, offering landing and servicing facilities.
A Hub of Innovation: Although some developments will span the next decade or more, the first wave of smaller tech startups is already making its home at Tegel Airport. These companies find ample space for prototyping, testing labs, and innovative projects. The range of industries represented is vast, from renewable energy to e-mobility, food production, and sustainable construction.
Why Tegel Attracts Tech Companies: The allure for tech companies to set up shop in an old airport? Space and solutions for future city challenges. These organizations require room to develop prototypes, conduct testing, and innovate for tomorrow's urban landscapes. The diversity of companies present is staggering, from those working on power-generating tech to revolutionize electricity distribution to firms focused on mobile greenhouses for local food production.
Inspiration and Aspiration: For startups, being based at Tegel Airport is more than just access to space—it's an infusion of dynamic and positive energy. The site inspires the development of technologies aimed at mitigating climate change and facilitates the dissemination of ideas and products to the world.
Challenges and a Bright Future: Converting a site of this magnitude is no small feat. It comes with its share of challenges, including balancing the preservation of history with the construction of new buildings and predicting the infrastructure needed for future technology.
In the next 10 to 20 years, Tegel Airport will continue its remarkable transformation. With a blend of history and innovation, it is set to become not just a relic of the past but a vibrant hub for technology, sustainability, and forward-thinking solutions.