Berlin's Potsdamer Platz - Planning in a local, national and global context

Table of Contents

1 Introduction

1.1 Aim of this thesis

1.2 Delimitation

1.3 Methods and material

1.4 Structure of this bachelor thesis

2 Background

2.1 History of the Potsdamer Platz

2.2 Short facts about the Potsdamer Platz today

3 The theory behind the global city

4 The Potsdamer Platz – a way of pushing Berlin towards a global city?

5 Theories of urban development strategies

6 The new Germany? – The Potsdamer Platz as a sign of economic power?

7 Theories of public space in cities and ambient power at public places

8 Privatisation of public space and ambient power at the Potsdamer Platz in Berlin?

9 Conclusion

10 Summary

Research Objectives and Themes

The primary aim of this thesis is to investigate the planning process and development of the Potsdamer Platz in Berlin by examining whether the site reflects broader local, national, and global urban trends. The research evaluates if the area serves as an emblem of a "global city," a symbol of renewed German economic power, or a site characterized by the privatization of public space.

• The global city status of Berlin and the role of the Potsdamer Platz.
• The national context of Germany and economic power manifestations.
• Privatization, exclusion, and ambient power in urban public spaces.
• Qualitative analysis through literature review, interviews, and visual observations.

Excerpt from the Book

Summary of Chapters

1 Introduction: Provides the context for Berlin's redevelopment post-1989 and outlines the research objectives regarding planning, power, and identity.

2 Background: Offers a historical overview of the Potsdamer Platz from the 18th century to its modern-day development.

3 The theory behind the global city: Defines the conceptual characteristics of a "global city" as utilized in urban research.

4 The Potsdamer Platz – a way of pushing Berlin towards a global city?: Examines whether the development of the site serves as a strategy to elevate Berlin to global city status.

5 Theories of urban development strategies: Discusses the framework of Large-Scale Urban Development Projects and their relationship to neoliberal planning.

6 The new Germany? – The Potsdamer Platz as a sign of economic power?: Investigates the thesis that the site represents a manifestation of Germany’s economic power.

7 Theories of public space in cities and ambient power at public places: Reviews theories of privatization and the concept of "ambient power" in urban spaces.

8 Privatisation of public space and ambient power at the Potsdamer Platz in Berlin?: Analyzes empirical data from the Sony Centre and Arkaden to assess privatization and exclusion.

9 Conclusion: Synthesizes findings to argue that the Potsdamer Platz is not a sign of global economic power, but demonstrates significant privatization risks.

10 Summary: Recaps the research methodology and the central conclusions of the thesis.

Keywords

Potsdamer Platz, Berlin, urban planning, global city, privatization, public space, neoliberalism, economic power, urban development, architecture, identity, social exclusion, ambient power, gentrification, democracy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this thesis primarily about?

The thesis explores the urban planning and redevelopment process of the Potsdamer Platz in Berlin, analyzing it through local, national, and global lenses.

What are the central thematic fields?

The study centers on three main areas: the concept of the global city, the representation of national economic power, and the privatization of public space.

What is the primary research question?

The work asks whether the planning of the Potsdamer Platz reflects an intentional strategy to push Berlin toward a global city status and whether the site effectively represents a new face of German economic power.

Which scientific method is used?

The author employs qualitative methods, including a review of academic literature, expert interviews with urban planners, site observations, and document analysis.

What topics are covered in the main section?

The main section covers historical context, the theoretical definition of global cities, the analysis of urban development strategies, and the investigation of privatized public spaces like the Sony Centre.

How is the work characterized by keywords?

The work is characterized by themes of urban geography, the socioeconomic impact of large-scale development, and the democratic consequences of privatizing formerly public spaces.

Does the author find that Berlin is a global city?

No, the author concludes based on both empirical evidence and literature analysis that Berlin is not a global city and the planning of the Potsdamer Platz does not support this claim.

What is the author's conclusion regarding the privatization of the Potsdamer Platz?

The author finds that spaces like the Sony Centre and the Arkaden are heavily privatized, leading to exclusionary practices that threaten the democratic access to public urban spaces.