Berlin Tempelhof Airport, once called the “mother of all airports” and an important symbol of Berlin’s history, is facing one of its greatest challenges: comprehensive renovation.

The 1.2-kilometer-long roof of the former terminal building is the focus of the work, which is crucial for the preservation and future use of this unique monument. The renovation of the roof and the concrete surfaces underneath, which has been in full swing since May 2024, represents a key step in saving the historic building. It becomes clear that the entire project represents not only a technical but also a historical responsibility. A photo report on Tempelhof Airport can be found at this link at Aviation.Direct.

Tempelhof Airport is one of the hinterland areas. Opened in 1923, the airport underwent a radical transformation during the Nazi era. The monumental building, which was to serve as a « world airport », was built between 1935 and 1941. Tempelhof played a central role during the Second World War and especially during the Berlin Airlift in 1948/49, when Western Allies supplied the blockaded city with essential goods via this airport.

After the end of the Cold War, the airport gradually lost importance and was finally closed in 2008. Since then, the site has been used as a public leisure area and event venue, among other things. But despite its new role for the people of Berlin, the building itself is in a precarious condition.

The challenges of restructuring

The current renovation of the roof is one of the most complex and expensive measures to save the Tempelhof airport building. From the beginning, from 1935 to 1941, 21,400 square meters were completed. Over the decades, weather influences and the aging of the material have left their mark. A comprehensive roof renovation is unavoidable to ensure the stability of the entire structure.

The work not only includes the renewal of the roof structure, but also the removal of old building contaminants that were used in the past decades. In addition, the reinforced concrete ceiling under the roof will be renovated. These measures are intended to ensure that the areas under the roof can be used again in the future, which is a key goal of the Tempelhof Project Company.

However, the renovation of the roof is only part of the extensive restoration work that is required on the entire building. Inside the airport there are numerous rooms that cannot be used due to outdated fire protection measures and the presence of harmful substances. The requirements of monument protection make the renovation work even more difficult, as every change must be in accordance with the historical specifications.

Vision 2030+: A look into the future

In view of the immense challenges, the Berlin Senate adopted the « Vision 2030+ » in the summer of 2019. These long-term concepts are intended to secure the future of Tempelhof Airport and include both the renovation and the development of concepts for the sustainable use of the site. The aim is to make Tempelhof a lively meeting place that serves both the urban community and commercial and cultural activities.

The central aspect of « Vision 2030+ » is to keep the airport accessible to the public while preserving its historical substance. The planned measures extend over the next few decades and include not only renovation but also the modernization of the technical infrastructure and the creation of new areas for use. This could establish Tempelhof not only as a historical monument but also as an active part of Berlin’s urban living space.

Funding and political support

Financing the renovation work is another major challenge. At around 34 million euros for the roof renovation alone, the costs are considerable, and it is foreseeable that the total costs for the renovation of the entire airport site will be significantly higher. The Berlin Senate and the Tempelhof Project Company are working closely together to secure the necessary funds and to complete the work on time.

During a visit to the construction site, Senator for Construction Christian Gaebler (SPD) stressed how important it is to preserve this building and to open it up to the city’s community. Maintaining the monument and ensuring its future usability are top priorities for the city of Berlin. « It is our obligation to preserve this building and to open it up to the city’s community, » said Gaebler. However, this commitment requires not only financial resources, but also political will and the support of the public.

The symbol of Berlin’s identity

Tempelhof Airport is the same as the building; it is a symbol of Berlin’s eventful history and the resilience of its people. The ongoing renovation work and the visions for its future use are representative of the city’s ongoing change and adaptability. If the renovation is successfully completed, Tempelhof could become a model project that shows how historic buildings can be integrated into a modern urban environment without losing their historical value.

The renovation of the roof represents a significant step towards the long-term preservation and use of this unique monument. But there is still a long way to go and it remains to be seen how successfully the comprehensive renovation measures will be implemented in the coming years. What is clear, however, is that Tempelhof Airport will continue to be a central location in Berlin’s history and identity.