Quartier SXF 2.0

Concept

The study area is characterized by a striking atmospheric contrast: due to its history, the site has a strong, deeply rooted identity primarily shaped by the legacy of the former Berlin Schönefeld Airport. On the other hand, since the airport ceased operations, the site has been defined by its perception as a fallow or vacant area, which also significantly influences its current atmosphere. Our project builds on the rich history of the place and approaches it on both an emotional and atmospheric level. 

At the start of our considerations for developing an overarching concept is the analysis and identification of the site’s unique location factors, the Unique Selling Points (USPs) that will decisively influence the future use of the area.

Unique Selling Points
The special location factors of the site arise from three components:

1.Identity
The distinctiveness of the site stems from its aviation heritage – a narrative interwoven with the broader history of flight in Germany, encompassing pre‑, during and post-reunification periods. Today, the new airport’s proximity reinforces this identity: aircraft taking off and landing are part of the site’s visual and acoustic backdrop. 

This multifaceted identity is not only a historical asset but also a driver of future development. The proposed adaptive reuse of existing buildings establishes continuity with the site’s past while creating character and atmosphere for the new neighborhood. These built traces become anchors of identity – shaping the place and offering emotional resonance. 

2. Connectivity
Strategically located, the site benefits from excellent accessibility at all scales – international, national, regional, and local. Beyond air traffic, a robust network of highways and railway lines links the area with the Berlin metropolitan region and surrounding Brandenburg. The future quarter will also be directly connected to the growing urban fabric of Schönefeld, particularly the emerging Schönefeld North district, with seamless pedestrian and bicycle access. 

In addition to being well-connected, the area is highly visible – from the air, from key transport corridors, and from the surrounding landscape – positioning it as a prominent location for future development.

3.Centrality
The immediate surroundings are defined by strong economic momentum. The southern periphery of Berlin, particularly the corridor stretching toward Königs Wusterhausen, is experiencing above-average growth driven by the presence of the new airport. Here, industry, science, and research converge in a transformation zone marked by innovation and sustainability.
The SXF quarter will thus lie at the heart of an innovation corridor – a place where new technologies are developed, tested, and scaled. This centrality within a dynamic economic context makes the site particularly well-suited for a forward-looking, mixed-use urban development.