German architect Jakob Tigges has unveiled a plan for a 1,000m tall faux mountain at the site of the former Tempelhof airport in Berlin, and his supporters are taking it rather seriously. Dubbed “The Berg,” the snow-capped colossus would be the world’s largest man-made mountain and would serve as a tourist attraction for skiers in the otherwise slope-less city. We’re all about adding green space to urban environments, but devoting an enormous amount of time, energy and resources into a gigantic landmass that isn’t even inhabitable on the inside seems like a huge mound of you-know-what, if you ask us.
This modular, mobile Snuggles hotel allows you to shack up in pods for an artsy camping experience not dissimilar to staying in oversized hamster cage tunnels. The project crosses the boundaries of temporary architecture and public art with its linkable framework, configurable platforms, and waterproof textile coverings. Able to be set up on a beach, in the forest, or in an urban environment, Snuggles offers a fun experience that’s on par with even the trendiest hostels.
Germany Bans Polluting Cars from City Centers
by Jorge Chapa, 01/15/08
Different cities are taking different approaches to reducing both pollution and car usage. While Londoners are charged a fee for entering the central district of the city, certain German cities are now banning the most pulluting cars from downtown areas. Next time you’re considering driving your black smoke-spewing clunker into central Berlin, Cologne, or Hanover, think again!
BERLIN, COPENHAGEN, & GOTHENBURG
by Gretchen, 02/20/06
Winter is not, perhaps, the most temperate time of year to head off to Germany and Scandinavia, but the airfare sure is reasonable! I’m excited to report that from February 23 to March 13 I’ll be bundling up and traveling through Berlin, Copenhagen, and Gothenburg (Sweden) — and I’d love to get some travel advice from you!
In addition to visiting my brother and generally taking in the sights (such as the Reichstag Dome pictured above), I’m looking forward to exploring the local design scene and checking out exciting things to cover for Inhabitat. I’d like to invite any readers who are familiar with the region to send along their recommendations concerning things to do and see while I am there. Innovative sustainable design and architecture is at the top of my list, but would also be be delighted to hear about any hotspots for contemporary art, textile design, and fine crafts.
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Thanks! I look forward to hearing from you!
LOTS MORE GREAT GREEN DESIGN STORIES HERE... KEEP READING!
