Challenge by STATE Studio
How might we re-imagine the future relationship to our local water bodies?
?
Zurück
Weiter
Welcome to this Futures Canvas challenge
Let’s explore future possibilities, together
1
About
Learn about this challenge
2
Results
View survey results and scenarios
This challenge is closed. You can see the results on this page.
Learn about this challenge
1
More about the challenge topic, goal and organiser

The condition of Berlin’s water bodies is far from optimal and further threatened by multiple human-made impacts and the accelerating climate crisis. This raises concerns and calls for radically new approaches to rethink our future relationship with Berlin’s most vital resource and connected ecosystems among competing political, economical, environmental and social interests. Let’s envision all possible futures, and reimagine our present world together!

Show less
Show more
Results of the interactive future survey
View survey results and scenarios
2
In the course of the survey, 32 opinions were collected and evaluated. Future scenarios were created from these with the help of AI.
See the collected opinions and the resulting future scenarios.
12 Ratings
Celina Last (Local Expert Group)
The citizens of Berlin have realised how much the condition of the city’s water bodies influences their quality of life.
64% certain
17% disagreement
88% desirable
13% disagreement
25 Ratings
Artist Speculation
Berlin’s river bath finally opens but a bout of stomach infections and skin rashes amongst the visitors leads to large public discussions about Berlin’s waste water problems, finally resulting in actions to improve the situation.
44% certain
26% disagreement
52% desirable
23% disagreement
19 Ratings
Artist Speculation
Droughts lead to a rationing of water in the summer, resulting in people developing new practices of rainwater collection during the heavy thunderstorms that sometimes hit the city.
66% certain
25% disagreement
51% desirable
27% disagreement
39 Ratings
Artist Speculation
In 2040, people know what lies beneath the soil in their local neighbourhoods, including the geological layers, rocks, and water reservoirs that are specific to that area.
27% certain
18% disagreement
59% desirable
18% disagreement
23 Ratings
Artist Speculation
People take care about what to pour down the drain in their domestic space, knowing that part of this might land in the lakes and rivers they spend their leisure time at.
35% certain
15% disagreement
75% desirable
12% disagreement
26 Ratings
Artist Speculation
Tap water is the main drink people consume, its location specific taste and qualities will be appreciated as much as the differences in bought mineral waters are appreciated today.
69% certain
17% disagreement
74% desirable
17% disagreement
23 Ratings
Artist Speculation
With fresh water being scarce globally, products and cultural objects which interact with and / or emphasise the value of water have become more commonplace.
54% certain
23% disagreement
44% desirable
20% disagreement
18 Ratings
Celina Last (Local Expert Group)
Berlin’s microclimate has become much better after improving the condition of the city´s water bodies.
65% certain
16% disagreement
78% desirable
13% disagreement
27 Ratings
Richard Karty (Local Expert Group)
Energy use has skyrocketed as most buildings in Berlin are now air-conditioned due to hotter microclimates and lack of street trees which once provided shade but have succumbed to drought.
65% certain
19% disagreement
25% desirable
19% disagreement
38 Ratings
Richard Karty (Local Expert Group)
Tap water, including for toilets and bathing, is now trucked in from Poland at €10/liter because Berlin has failed to reverse the trend, begun in 2017, of drawing down its water reservoirs without replenishing.
15% certain
14% disagreement
34% desirable
23% disagreement
10 Ratings
Ines Weigand
Since wastewater treatment plants can't handle and filter the mix from microplastic, medical substances, hormones and other "dirt" anymore, it will become more and more common to start recycling at home, using filter systems, recycle stations etc. 
42% certain
15% disagreement
58% desirable
17% disagreement
12 Ratings
Anonymous
There will be built a new, big and efficient infrastructure for collecting and distributing rain water.
44% certain
17% disagreement
71% desirable
17% disagreement
10 Ratings
Anonymous
The whole system of lakes, canals and rivers in and around Berlin is part of the public consciusness.
57% certain
23% disagreement
84% desirable
12% disagreement
12 Ratings
Veronika
It is possible to swim in all water areas in Berlin. 
43% certain
21% disagreement
83% desirable
17% disagreement
7 Ratings
Anonymous
Perhaps well-water has been made publicly available (along with real-time metrics of safety) as a social experiment. It helps people realize how water can be unique to a place.
48% certain
12% disagreement
52% desirable
13% disagreement
36 Ratings
Leo
Water is a private resource.
18% certain
18% disagreement
34% desirable
23% disagreement
8 Ratings
Catri
Solutions will have been found to make water travel much less polluting.
57% certain
9% disagreement
75% desirable
14% disagreement
10 Ratings
Kristina Steinmar
Small, decentralized filtering plants are abundant and allow us to directly use our own  grey water.
42% certain
14% disagreement
59% desirable
22% disagreement
7 Ratings
Anonymous
Proper water treatment, so we pollute less the waters 
54% certain
14% disagreement
61% desirable
18% disagreement
8 Ratings
Mathilde
I wish the spree was filtered and that we could swim in the middle of the city
40% certain
17% disagreement
73% desirable
10% disagreement
43 Ratings
Anonymous
Dirty stinky water in Berlin 
26% certain
15% disagreement
35% desirable
23% disagreement
12 Ratings
Kerstin
Ground water is getting less and less and nobody realizes it early enough. 
74% certain
12% disagreement
24% desirable
18% disagreement
7 Ratings
Anonymous
On a hot summerschool, we can jump into the Kanal to refresh and be surrounded by water.
44% certain
13% disagreement
82% desirable
14% disagreement
7 Ratings
Isabelle Vuong
Berlin is now enjoying hot summers tempered by many refreshing water and green areas, makes use of its waters for eco-mobility (passengers and goods), collects rainwater etc. It has become water city!
45% certain
20% disagreement
59% desirable
12% disagreement
8 Ratings
Anonymous
I wish the rivers and canals are clean enough to swim in. 
61% certain
37% disagreement
57% desirable
21% disagreement
7 Ratings
Markus
Rivers in Berlin have become bodies of water to swim, bath and wash in for everyone without any thought of contamination.
60% certain
22% disagreement
61% desirable
28% disagreement
15 Ratings
Jill
I wish that people of all ages understood the links between climate change, rainfall, groundwater levels and their own consumption habits.
18% certain
13% disagreement
44% desirable
28% disagreement
6 Ratings
Anonymous
It is getting drier.
93% certain
7% disagreement
19% desirable
10% disagreement
7 Ratings
Anonymous
All citizen of berlin assume responsibility and keep their waters and river banks free from trash.
45% certain
8% disagreement
59% desirable
17% disagreement
7 Ratings
Stefan
The importance of infrastructure for water collecting, cleaning and sharing will increase. 
66% certain
14% disagreement
68% desirable
13% disagreement
0 Ratings
Maria Javier
I wish everybody is capable to generate their own sources of drinking water without harming the Planet.
50% certain
0% disagreement
50% desirable
0% disagreement
0 Ratings
Maria Javier
Due to climate crisis, everybody will have their own self hydration accessory to survive.
50% certain
0% disagreement
50% desirable
0% disagreement
certain
uncertain
desirable
undesirable
Positive Expectations
Hopeful Dreams
Distant Threats
Expected Challenges
32 Opinions
489 Ratings
Resulting future scenarios
Based on their ratings, submitted opinions have been compiled into four distinct future scenarios, autonomously generated by artificial intelligence.
Positive Expectations
Berlin Embraces Sustainable Water Future
Expected Challenges
Future Demands Resource Management Focus
Hopeful Dreams
Berlin Transforms into Water-Centric Metropolis
Distant Threats
Berlin Faces Future Water Crisis

Berlin Embraces Sustainable Water Future

Based on 10 opinions and 122 ratings.
View individual opinions in the Futures Canvas by filtering for the sector "Positive Expectations".
  • Berlin may adopt rainwater collection to address summer water rationing and improve quality of life.
  • Improved water systems could enhance the microclimate and make water transportation environmentally friendly.
  • Infrastructure for sustainable water management may grow, symbolizing urban resilience and ecological stewardship.

In the future, Berlin might experience a profound transformation driven by its citizens' realization of the crucial role water bodies play in enhancing their quality of life. As droughts occasionally lead to water rationing in the summer, innovative practices such as rainwater collection during thunderstorms could become commonplace. This growing awareness might foster an appreciation for the unique qualities of tap water, akin to the current diversity appreciated in bottled mineral waters.

The city's efforts to improve its water systems could significantly enhance the microclimate, leading to a healthier and more sustainable environment. Public consciousness around the network of lakes, canals, and rivers might strengthen, as solutions are found to make water transportation environmentally friendly. Advances in water treatment technologies could ensure rivers and canals become safe for recreational activities like swimming and bathing, transforming them into cherished communal spaces free from contamination concerns.

The importance of infrastructure supporting water collection, purification, and distribution might grow, reflecting a societal shift towards sustainable water management. As Berlin continues to innovate, the city's water bodies could become emblematic of urban resilience and ecological stewardship, guiding future urban planning and environmental conservation efforts.

Future Demands Resource Management Focus

Based on 4 opinions and 68 ratings.
View individual opinions in the Futures Canvas by filtering for the sector "Expected Challenges".
  • Fresh water scarcity may lead to cultural shifts emphasizing water's value and conservation innovation.
  • Urban areas could face increased energy use due to hotter climates and fewer shade trees.
  • Groundwater depletion may drive lifestyle changes and novel water sourcing solutions.

In the future, the scarcity of fresh water could lead to a cultural shift where products and objects that highlight the importance of water become integral to daily life. These might serve as reminders of water's value and spur innovation in water conservation technologies and practices. Meanwhile, urban environments like Berlin could experience a significant rise in energy consumption as air conditioning becomes ubiquitous in response to hotter microclimates. The absence of shade-providing street trees, which might have been lost to prolonged droughts, could exacerbate the need for artificial cooling. This surge in energy use might create new challenges in managing sustainable urban living. Furthermore, the gradual depletion of groundwater resources could be a growing concern, often overlooked until it reaches critical levels. The increasing dryness might lead to significant lifestyle adaptations, prompting communities to seek novel solutions for water sourcing and usage. These scenarios together could signify a future where resource management and environmental adaptation become central to societal and technological development.

Berlin Transforms into Water-Centric Metropolis

Based on 12 opinions and 167 ratings.
View individual opinions in the Futures Canvas by filtering for the sector "Hopeful Dreams".
  • Berlin may advance in water management through improved waste water systems and home filtration.
  • Citizens might develop a culture of responsibility towards water, understanding local geology and resources.
  • Public infrastructure could include rainwater systems, enhancing eco-mobility and water-centric lifestyles.

In the year 2040, Berlin might emerge as a city deeply intertwined with its water systems, driven by past challenges that spurred significant advancements. The opening of Berlin's river bath and subsequent public health concerns could have catalyzed intense discussions, ultimately leading to improvements in waste water management. Residents might become more aware of the ecological impact of their domestic waste, fostering a culture of responsibility towards their local water bodies.

The city could witness a transformation in water management through the installation of advanced home filtration systems and the widespread use of decentralized small filtering plants, allowing residents to recycle grey water efficiently. Knowledge of local geology and water reservoirs might become commonplace, empowering citizens to appreciate and sustainably manage their unique water resources.

Public infrastructure might evolve to include efficient rainwater collection and distribution systems, contributing to the city's eco-mobility and leisure opportunities. With real-time safety metrics for well-water possibly made available, Berliners might gain a greater understanding of their water's uniqueness. The collective effort to maintain clean waterways could transform Berlin into a water-centric metropolis, where its citizens enjoy and steward their aquatic environments, embracing both recreational and practical uses of water.

Berlin Faces Future Water Crisis

Based on 4 opinions and 132 ratings.
View individual opinions in the Futures Canvas by filtering for the sector "Distant Threats".
  • Berlin might face severe water scarcity, with costly water imports from Poland.
  • Water quality could decline, affecting public health and living standards negatively.
  • Increased awareness of climate change and water usage is crucial for sustainable practices.

In a future scenario, Berlin might face severe water scarcity challenges as tap water, including supplies for essential uses like bathing and flushing toilets, could be transported from Poland at a significant cost of €10 per liter. This situation might arise because Berlin could fail to manage its water reservoirs effectively, a trend that may have started in 2017 due to insufficient replenishment strategies. As a result, water might become a private resource, limiting access and potentially leading to inequitable distribution.

The quality of water in Berlin might deteriorate, resulting in dirty and unpleasant conditions for residents. This could exacerbate public health concerns and contribute to a decline in living standards. In this future, there might be a growing awareness and desire for people of all ages to comprehend the intricate connections between climate change, rainfall patterns, groundwater levels, and personal water consumption habits. Such understanding could be crucial in fostering more sustainable water usage behaviors, potentially mitigating the impacts of climate change on local water resources and improving the overall situation in Berlin.

Want to know more about this challenge? Then contact Futures Canvas or the organiser directly.