Neun neue Gärten
What places exist where we can come to rest and relax? Do they exist in cities as well, and what makes them special? The Berlin landscape architects atelier le balto create such places to linger and meet. — For the first edition of the GEGENWARTEN exhibition in summer 2020, they chose this square in front of the Alte Post, which had become an unused space in recent years, where people walked past thoughtlessly on their way to the city centre, the small shops close by or the underground car park. atelier le balto discovered the site partly because of the nine rectangular pots, which had been unused for a long time due to a defect, and filled them with fruit and vegetable plants as well as various berries and herbs. These included a mirabelle plum tree, pumpkins, raspberries and mint. Wooden platforms were also constructed between the boxes to give the entire square a new atmosphere and quality of stay. — Now, in the summer of 2024, atelier le balto has varied the planting of the nine concrete planters again, with various small grasses and perennials as well as lesserknown plants that are rather unusual for the city centre, which are intended to create atmospheric accents with new colours, flowers and leaf shapes. Amidst and because of these plants, a place where we enjoy spending time, meeting and socialising, where we can slow down and recharge our batteries for coming things, contributes to a sustainable life.