Aesthetic and Functional Protective Measures at Breitscheidplatz, Berlin
Executive Summary
On December 19 2016, the Breitscheidplatz Christmas market in Berlin became the target of a terrorist attack when a heavy truck was deliberately driven into the crowded market, killing 14 people and seriously injuring 67 others. This attack, part of a broader pattern of vehicular terrorism, prompted the immediate installation of temporary barriers to secure the area. However, these initial protective measures, which included bulky concrete barriers and metal bulk baskets, drew public criticism for their militaristic appearance, high cost, and perceived restriction of freedom. This criticism created an opportunity for a more innovative approach to security, blending functional protection with aesthetic urban Design. The result was a series of proposals that followed the principles of Security by Design, focusing on integrating protective measures that enhance security and harmonize with the surrounding urban environment. These designs were inspired by the New European Bauhaus movement, which advocates for sustainable and inclusive urban planning.
Challenges
Public Perception of Security Measures: The original barriers installed at Breitscheidplatz, though effective at preventing vehicle entry, were viewed as overly obtrusive, clashing with the market's festive atmosphere and the area's architectural character.
Multi-functionality and Urban Integration: The challenge was to create barriers that provided robust protection against vehicular attacks without detracting from the aesthetic appeal of the public space. The solution must account for functional requirements (i.e., stopping hostile vehicles) and urban planning principles, including accessibility, pedestrian flow, and visual harmony.
Environmental and Infrastructure Considerations: A key element of the project involved identifying existing elements of the public space, such as trees, street furniture, and other infrastructure, that could be repurposed or reinforced to act as barriers. However, underground infrastructure posed additional technical challenges, as data on underground systems were incomplete during the design phase.
Security by Design Approach
The proposed solution for Breitscheidplatz was developed through a detailed feasibility study that explored the local environment and sought to incorporate multifunctional and aesthetically integrated protective measures. This approach emphasized blending security into the urban landscape by using existing infrastructure and natural elements to achieve protection without compromising the space's aesthetics.
Key Features of the Security Design
Tree Trunks as Natural Barriers: The avenues surrounding Breitscheidplatz, such as Budapester Straße and Tauentzienstraße, are lined with trees, which were proposed to serve as natural vehicle barriers. To enhance their protective capability, these tree trunks were to be reinforced with metal cages or other support structures that could withstand the impact of a hostile vehicle. Trees offer an environmentally friendly solution that contributes to the area's aesthetics and is an effective barrier.
Hardened Street Furniture and Bollards
Lamp Posts and Bus Shelters: Existing street furniture, such as lamps and bus shelters, were identified as potential barrier elements. These were to be hardened and strategically placed between trees to create a continuous line of defence. Hardened structures would act as passive protective elements while maintaining the functional integrity of public infrastructure.
Fixed and Retractable Bollards: Fixed bollards were proposed for installation at key pedestrian crossings and roadways to restrict vehicle access while allowing pedestrian movement. Retractable bollards would allow authorized vehicle entry at designated access points without compromising overall security. These bollards, made of high-strength materials such as reinforced concrete or steel, would meet international standards like PAS 68 for vehicle impact resistance
Reinforced Bike Racks and Street Furniture: In addition to bollards, the Design incorporated reinforced bike racks, benches, and planters as part of the security infrastructure. These elements serve dual purposes: public amenities and barriers capable of absorbing vehicular impact. Reinforced rubbish bins and benches, designed with internal steel reinforcements, can withstand the force of a truck or car-ramming without appearing overly industrial or disruptive to the area's atmosphere.
Architectural Boulders and Sculptural Elements: Large architectural boulders, placed in strategic locations around the perimeter of Breitscheidplatz, provide a sculptural and aesthetically pleasing solution to hostile vehicle mitigation. These boulders, designed to appear as part of the natural landscape, can stop or deflect a vehicle, preventing it from reaching crowded pedestrian areas.
Environmental and Urban Planning Adaptations: The Design considered the existing underground infrastructure, though full coordination with underground data was pending. Any barrier installation that affected underground utilities would require careful planning to avoid disrupting essential services. Integrating security elements into the natural and built environment also ensured minimal disruption to the flow of people and vehicles, preserving the usability of public spaces.
PAS 68 / IWA 14-1 Standards
The proposed barriers, including bollards, reinforced street furniture, and architectural boulders, were designed to meet international standards for vehicle security barriers, such as PAS 68 and IWA 14-1. These standards define the impact resistance of barriers based on vehicle weight and speed, ensuring that the selected measures can stop a hostile vehicle in real-world scenarios. High-strength materials like steel-reinforced concrete, ballistic-grade metals, and shatterproof glass were selected for critical elements such as bus shelters, lamp posts, and benches. These materials offer durability and impact resistance while maintaining the visual appeal of urban infrastructure.
Outcomes and Public Perception
The proposed solution for Breitscheidplatz was designed to prevent vehicle-based terrorist attacks and address the public's concerns about the obtrusiveness of existing security measures. By integrating protective elements into the fabric of the urban landscape, the solution created a safer public space without compromising the area's character or accessibility. This approach aligns with the New European Bauhaus design principles for sustainability, inclusiveness, and beauty.
Conclusion and Strategic Recommendations
The Breitscheidplatz case study demonstrates the importance of Security by Design in addressing modern urban security challenges. By leveraging multifunctional, aesthetically integrated protective measures, cities can enhance security while maintaining public spaces' usability and visual appeal. This approach ensures that security is not an afterthought but a core element of urban planning, capable of adapting to evolving threats while preserving the quality of life for residents and visitors. This case study serves as a model for cities facing similar challenges, emphasizing that robust security measures need not come at the expense of beauty, freedom, or accessibility in urban environments.28