Monthly Review Tempelhof-Schöneberg: Climate Protection, Culture, and Neighborhood Development

Climate, Culture, and Cooperation – February 2026 in Tempelhof-Schöneberg

What was important this month

• Climbing plants as a climate protection measure – The Committee on Order decided to allow climbing plants to grow at the basketball court by Lichtenrader Graben. The goal is to reduce heat exposure through natural shade.
• Remembering Rosa von Praunheim – The LGBTQ+ Committee recommended organizing a film series at Schöneberg Town Hall as a tribute to the lesbian activist.
• Spring Cleaning 2026 – The Main Committee decided to initiate a public clean-up day, supported by materials and cooperation with volunteer organizations.
• Culture and Information Pavilion at Tempelhof Town Hall – The former BVV hall building will be transformed into a central location for decentralized cultural activities by April 2026.

Climate Protection and Green Spaces: New Approaches in Public Spaces

The Committee for Order, Green Spaces, Environment, and Climate Protection focused intensively on climate-friendly solutions in public spaces. The idea of allowing climbing plants to grow at the basketball court by Lichtenrader Graben is an example of creative and sustainable climate protection measures. These plants are intended not only to provide natural shade but also to enhance biodiversity – provided the stability of the grids is secured with additional weights.

In addition, a report on the usage of water fountains at the Eythstraße, Stubenrauchstraße, and Heidefriedhof cemeteries was approved. The focus is on usage intensity and user feedback – a step toward improving the attractiveness and effectiveness of public facilities.

Following the fire disaster at the Langenscheidt Bridge in December 2025, structural fire prevention measures were discussed. The District Office will submit an analysis of the causes and possible measures by May 2026.

Culture in Public Spaces: Remembrance and the Future

The Committee for Continuing Education and Culture advocated for more cultural presence in Tempelhof. The proposal to make the history of the former cinema houses in Tempelhof permanently visible was supported. Information on lampposts and a temporary open-air cinema in front of the Town Hall are being considered.

Another focus was the renovation of the former BVV hall in Tempelhof Town Hall. Under the working title “Culture and Information Pavilions plus X,” a concept is being developed to adapt the building for decentralized cultural activities and public use. A draft is planned for April 2026.

In addition, a tribute to Rosa von Praunheim in the form of a film series at the Marlene-Dietrich Cinema was decided. It is also planned to implement further projects in the future that make queer lifestyles more visible.

Urban Development: Challenges and Visions

The Committee for Urban Development discussed several urban planning proposals, many of which were rejected. For example, a proposal by the Greens regarding the use of vacant residential buildings on Potsdamer Straße was rejected. According to the law against misuse of residential buildings, the District Office should enforce residential use but failed to gain a majority.

Another focus was the former Dreifaltigkeitsfriedhof site. A draft zoning plan is being developed to create a socially just and ecologically compatible neighborhood. A binding construction site traffic plan and a common public space are planned.

The BVV also requested that the District Office submit an action plan for climate-resilient heritage protection measures by April 2026. This is another step toward actively incorporating climate change into urban planning.

Safety in Public Spaces

In the Committee for Streets and Traffic, measures for traffic calming were discussed. Safety at the school route on Dardanellenweg will be improved. Adjustments to pedestrian signals at the intersections of Lichtenrader Damm/Goltzstraße and Kirchhainer Damm/Am Domstift are also planned.

However, a proposal by the SPD faction to secure the school route on Rademeierweg was rejected. In contrast, a proposal by the Greens faction to redesign Friedrich-Wilhelm-Platz with a focus on better quality of stay and barrier-free access was supported.

Conclusion and Outlook

February 2026 in Tempelhof-Schöneberg was characterized by a mix of climate protection, cultural remembrance, and urban development debates. Although many proposals were rejected, the approved measures show the diversity of political initiatives in the district. In March, the first reports and concepts decided in February are expected – including on climate protection in public spaces, the use of cultural spaces, and urban safety.