Potsdam's Design Council: Mid-term review with major challenges!

Potsdam's Design Council: Mid-term review with major challenges!

What is happening in Potsdam? On July 4, 2025, the state capital's design council will take stock of its three-year term. Under the leadership of Prof. Matthias Haber, who acts as chairman, and the other members Prof. Dr. Silvia Malcovati and Prof. Dr. Angela Million, a review has now taken place of seven meetings that have been held since the realignment in January 2024. Bernd Rubelt, the councilor for urban development, and Erik Wolfram, the head of the urban planning department, were also present and emphasized the importance of citizen engagement and the fruitful professional exchange that is promoted in the meetings.

The Design Council sees itself as a holistic project workshop and platform for citizen participation. The thematic focus includes urban planning processes, including the framework planning for Marquardt and Am Stern, as well as specific projects such as the expansion of Horstweg and the renovation of the former farm yard of the “Provincial Institute for Epileptics”. The focus is also on landscape and open space planning, such as the local recreation area “Baggersee Am Stern” and the design of Johannes-Kepler-Platz. When it comes to traffic issues, the model test on Dortustrasse and bicycle parking at the main train station are discussed, among other things. These approaches show how Design Council contributes to the development of the city.

Sustainable urban development in view

In the second half of the meeting period, the council will concentrate on important issues that affect the further development of Potsdam. The development of rural areas, the support of the framework planning for Bornim/Bornstedt and the transport issues are to be addressed as part of the Schlaatz 2030 project. The further development of the city center, especially in the Dortustraße and Lindenstraße areas, is also important.

Close contact with various departments is also guaranteed. The urban planning department, which controls the fundamentals of urban development and land-use planning requirements with its comprehensive know-how and responsibility for the structural development of the city, plays a significant role in this process. Payments of funding from the EU, federal government, the state of Brandenburg and the city itself are also used to realize these projects, as is the processing of planning law issues relating to building applications outside of renovation areas and development areas. This shows the great responsibility that the Department of Urban Planning for the future of the city.

Focus on the amendment to the building code

An exciting topic that should also be discussed is the amendment to the building code, also known as Bauturbo. There are both opportunities and risks here. The Design Council plans to examine these aspects comprehensively to ensure that Potsdam's structural development remains sustainable and future-oriented. The exchange with citizens and experts will continue to play a key role.

Overall, it can be seen that the Design Council is well on the way to further developing Potsdam in the coming years. The successes so far and the challenges ahead make it clear that there is still a lot going on here. It will be interesting to see how events develop and what further impulses will be provided.