Reclaiming the River: Flussbad’s Vision for Berlin
Submitted to the Holcim Awards in 2011 by Berlin-based architects Tim and Jan Edler of realities:united, Flussbad proposed minimal yet transformative interventions—stairs, walkways, and filters—to reclaim the river as accessible, ecological public space. The project emphasised symbolic, environmental, and civic value: reconnecting Berliners with the river, raising awareness of urban water systems, and challenging conventional notions of who the city’s spaces are for.
From Vision to Reality: Flussbad in Development
Flussbad Berlin e.V. was established in 2012, receiving federal and city support, including €4 million in development funding. Pilot filtration systems and water-quality studies confirmed technical feasibility, while public swim events built widespread engagement. As of 2025, the project is under active planning, with local authorities exploring a basic pilot bathing area by 2026. Regulatory challenges remain—but momentum continues to grow, both locally and across Europe, for reclaiming rivers as public, swimmable spaces.
The jury commended Flussbad Berlin for its poetic and transformative approach to reclaiming a neglected stretch of the River Spree in the heart of the city. By converting the underutilised Kupfergraben Canal into a natural, self-cleaning body of water, the project introduces a playful and atmospheric public amenity into a historically and politically significant setting. Along the 750-metre stretch adjacent to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Museum Island, the proposal creates new opportunities for swimming, walking, cycling, and relaxation—revitalising the city centre for both residents and visitors.
More than just a large swimming facility, Flussbad challenges entrenched perceptions of urban waterways. It questions the exclusive use of the river for shipping and drainage, advocating instead for public access and ecological restoration. The jury appreciated the project's symbolic strength and its capacity to foster sustainable urban life. By proposing essential upgrades to the wastewater system, a filtration basin planted with reeds, and a bypass canal, the architects present a feasible and transferable model for ecological regeneration in dense, heritage-rich city centres.
The project’s respectful integration with its historic surroundings and its minimal yet effective design interventions were also praised. The Flussbad stands as a compelling example of how forgotten inner-city infrastructure can be repurposed to meet contemporary public needs—offering both environmental benefits and a direct, positive impact on urban quality of life. In doing so, it exemplifies a sustainable vision for civic space that reconnects people with the natural resources that shape their cities.
