One of Berlins more lively districts. Old, new, affluent and poor. There is a lot to discover in Schöneberg.
Starting at new S-Bahn station Julius Leber Brücke we are greeted by graffiti. What else?Despite being opened in 2008 they did use design elements from older stations dating back to the 1930s. The staircase features a Laubengang roughly translated as an arcade. A glass enclosed covering protecting passengers from the elements while also providing natural light.More graffiti. What would Berlin be without them. They tread a fine line between urban art and ruined buildings.Traffic planning in Berlin. This crossing has been "neutralized" for vehicles, probably to reduce traffic. The problem with all of these measures is that drivers will simply concentrate on other routes, making those areas even worse. The actual solution, providing much better public transport options, is much more expensive. But, Berlin still features a very good public transport system. It is just that Berliners like to complain.This certainly looks inviting for the cost conscious traveler or more likely temporary workers.Another traffic solution. First floor parking. Makes for excellent urban spaces as long as you are not a pedestrian.Entrance to an old air defense bunker. They tried to demolish these after the war, but the Nazis built them to last. Used for exhibitions and cultural eventsThe Pallaseum. A word play on the nearby Palassstrasse, but also the German word for palace. It sure is no palace, being notorious for housing mostly poor immigrants and its crime and trash ridden surroundings. They put a lot of effort into cleaning the place up to provide safe and affordable housing. Judging from my short visit, they made good progress. It is still though mostly inhabited by immigrants or their descendants.A little joke. The sign says "only for tenants" and "up to 2.5 tons". Quite a few big tenants I guess.