Expensive Cooling System Introduced in Berlin for 45,000 euros
In the heart of Berlin, a new initiative is providing relief from the summer heat - the Cooling Point. Located at the southern park entrance of Mauerpark in Prenzlauer Berg, this 25 square meter wellness zone is a temporary infrastructure measure designed to protect vulnerable populations from heat-related issues.
The Cooling Point, part of the federal program "Urban Heat Labs" for heat protection in cities, was initiated by the State Office for Health and Social Affairs (Lageso), the district of Pankow, and the state-owned park operator Grün Berlin. The project, which cost 45,000 euros to construct, is a pioneering effort in Berlin to address urban heat challenges.
Daniel Sagebiel from Lageso stated that the Cooling Point was designed with natural materials, modularity, mobility, and sustainability in mind. The installation, barrier-free and available for free use by the public, features a wooden lamella roof, nine planter boxes with heat-tolerant plants, seating benches, and a drinking water fountain.
The Cooling Point made its debut on a refreshing 18-degree rainy day. Pankow's district mayor Manuela Anders-Granitzki emphasized the importance of heat protection, particularly for the elderly and children, and considered the Cooling Point a valuable initiative.
Patrols by law enforcement, park rangers, and an awareness team have been implemented to maintain the cleanliness and integrity of the Cooling Point. A first evaluation of the project is scheduled for autumn.
Looking ahead, plans for the future include enhancing the Cooling Point with advanced technologies. Starting from 2026, Lageso aims to integrate a spray mist technology into the facility. This technology will provide additional cooling on hot days, ensuring that the space remains effective in offering relief from heat waves. The project is considered a pilot study, and its success could potentially lead to the implementation of similar Cooling Points in other areas of Berlin.
If the Cooling Point project proves successful, further Cooling Points may be established in other districts. The Cooling Point was strategically located at the sealed entrance area of Mauerpark due to significant heat buildup in that location.
The Cooling Point in Mauerpark is a trailblazer in Berlin's efforts to combat urban heat, with ongoing developments aimed at improving its functionality and impact. The district mayor expressed hope that the community will appreciate its significance and help prevent potential vandalism.
The Cooling Point, a trailblazing endeavor in Berlin's urban heat combat, was designed with an emphasis on natural materials and sustainable features, including a wooden lamella roof, heat-tolerant plants, seating benches, and a drinking water fountain. As part of the federal program "Urban Heat Labs" and located in Mauerpark, it serves as a vital intervention in the environmental-science realm, offering relief for vulnerable populations, particularly the elderly and children, amid heat-related issues. Looking ahead, the project intends to integrate advanced technologies, such as spray mist technology, into the facility by 2026, aiming to propagate this lifestyle-enhancing, home-and-garden innovation in other districts of the city.
