Environmental education center in Britzer Garden to be rebuilt for 2.4 million euros

Berlin's Britzer Garden will see its environmental education center rebuilt in its original form, following its destruction by fire in October 2024. Grün Berlin GmbH, the project's developer, announced that construction is slated to commence in the first half of 2027, with an estimated project cost of 2.4 million euros.

The planners responsible for the original building and its grounds have been re-engaged for the reconstruction. The environmental education center is anticipated to be completed in 2028. The new facility will feature several enhancements, including the replacement of the existing ventilation system with natural ventilation and the addition of a photovoltaic system. To combat summer heat, the design will also incorporate sun-protection glazing and glare shields.

The original center, operated by the Freilandlabor Britz association, was a roughly 400-square-meter facility. Between 3,400 and 5,500 children visited it annually before the fire. The investigation into the blaze, which occurred on the night of October 23-24, 2024, led prosecutors to suspect arson in early 2025. The center first opened its doors in 2017.

Currently, educational activities are being conducted in the Karl-Foerster-Pavillon, a space previously used as a café. The reconstruction aims to restore this vital educational resource, with improved accessibility also planned for the new building.