Site of 1936 Berlin Games chosen for Schindler Award 2010
Film Competition Site
Conceived as a propaganda stage by the Nazis, the ‘Olympiagelände’ or Olympic grounds encompass a large number of sport facilities, arenas, stadiums and parade grounds. In the center looms the Olympic stadium with the adjoining Maifeld Parade Ground and spectator stands – which in addition to the big Olympic events could host political and military rallies with up to 260,000 'actors' and spectators.
Almost untouched by the destruction of the Second World War, the Olympic grounds have since been used for sport competitions while the nearby, idyllically located 'Waldbühne' features world-class music acts for up to 22,000 spectators in a spectacular open-air theatre.
'Waldbühne'
There is plenty of activity space on the Olympic grounds, but the new facilities that have been added to the original compound on the western fringe are not well-connected. Partly hidden by the enormous spectator stands of the Maifeld are several athletic halls, an equestrian hall, tennis courts, car parks and the installations of an underground aquifer gas-storage. Together they form a haphazardly developed area that leaves a lot to be desired in terms of urban design and architecture. These facilities also lack adequate and attractive public access for all, even though they are served by a nearby train station of the S-Bahn urban transit system. The substantial difference in elevation between S-Bahn, Maifeld and Waldbühne creates further accessibility problems.
Train station 'Pichelsberg' of the S-Bahn urban transit sytems
Panorama West Glockenturmstrasse
It comes as no surprise then, that ‘Access for All’ is a sore point inside and around the 'Waldbühne' as well – and that the new Horst Korber Sports Center and hotel built in 1990 lack any facilities for disabled people. The goal of our competition task is to change that!
