The redesign of the pond area at Berlin’s Galilei Primary School as a green classroom was the goal of a competition launched at the end of 2015. The design by group F received the first prize and was realized between autumn 2017 and spring 2018. The removal of a former pond and the demolition of a wall have created a new space that will serve as a place of social interaction and learning for the pupils. In the green classroom, a large, sun-exposed staircase and massive wooden elements under the willow provide seating for an entire school class. In raised beds in the sunny area and the berry garden in the shade, plants can be grown, cared for, and harvested. The garden is also equipped with a compost heap and a tool shed. The pupils were informed about the process on several guided tours of the construction site and involved in the creation of the garden with planting events. Together they celebrated an opening party. In the future the school garden will be looked after by the Gardening Club.

Landscape Architecture: gruppe F
Gardening and landscaping: Otto Kittel
Project location (Street, City, Country): Galilei-Grundschule, Friedrichstraße 13, 10969 Berlin, Germany
Design year: 2015
Year Built: 2017-2018
Area: 0,3 ha
Image Credits: gruppe F/Andreas Schimanski