Berlin Marzahn vs. Suburban Regina

Berlin Marzahn and suburban developments in Regina are quite different even though their development is quite similar.  While they both were, in large part, entirely built up over a short period and have almost everything one needs (prompting people to not leave), they contain a two major ideological differences in the design and planning of the areas which change the entire way the areas are used by its inhabitants. 

First, the types of housing between the two areas are quite different, even though they are and were considered quite luxurious for their times.  Marzahn’s development is dense, tall apartment buildings, while Regina’s suburbs contain low density housing, like houses and small condominiums.  In part, this is due to the sheer demand for the housing; Marzahn was built because the demand was large and desperately required, whereas Regina’s growth is more tame and less demanding on the housing market.

Secondly, the areas themselves were designed with two different philosophies – car friendly and pedestrian friendly.  At least from the small portion of where we visited, cars were not necessary to travel in Marzahn as public transit was readily available in form of trams and buses.  Additionally, most services (e.g. grocery stores) were in the center of a ring of residences.  In contrast, many of Regina’s suburbs require a car to perform tasks like getting groceries, and transit services are quite limited for those who wish to go without a car.

While there are other, smaller differences between the two, they are caused by the two major factors discussed above.