AHRENSFELDE | people’s parks

Ahrensfelde is an area at the far eastern edge of Berlin at the end of the S7 line. The architecture in the area is based on the socialist idea of creating “palaces for the people” and consist of large housing blocks with expanses of greens and parks beneath them.

Today, these green spaces include pathways for both people and dogs and play grounds for children. For adults, there is a grocery store in the complex and numerous bars.

Wondering around the complex on a cold November day, many people were passing through but the parks themselves were empty making the area quieter than expected given the number of housing units.

I can imagine the place feeling much livelier in the summer sun.