Sustainable logistics for Berlin: BTU's young scientists honoured

Joshua Wegener and Max Risse impressed the jury with their Master's thesis "CityHubs as trimodal logistics hubs - on the potential and design of sustainable urban logistics in Berlin". In their work, they develop innovative solutions for sustainable freight transport in the capital and thus make an important contribution to sustainable urban and logistics planning.

"In their Master's thesis, Joshua Wegener and Max Risse have demonstrated new and practical solutions for urban logistics with outstanding scientific quality," says Prof. J. Miller Stevens. "It is particularly pleasing to see the degree of sophistication with which old and new freight transport structures are dovetailed and lead to a sustainable logistics solution. The work more than deserves to be honoured with the Balg-Mächler Prize."

The master's thesis shows how Berlin can organise its freight transport in a more climate-friendly and efficient way. The intelligent linking of waterways, rail and road creates a new, city-wide logistics network with central transhipment points. The example of the former Mariendorf harbour shows how modern logistics hubs can reduce traffic and at the same time be integrated into the city in a high-quality way - a concrete approach for less lorry traffic and a better quality of life in Berlin.

The Master's thesis had already been recognised as the best thesis of the graduating year by the university's Institute of Urban Planning. The thesis was supervised by Prof. J. Miller Stevens, Chair of Urban Design, and Prof. Christine Eisenmann, Chair of Infrastructure and Mobility Planning.

The award ceremony for the Balg-Mächler Prize will take place in Berlin on Friday, 23 January 2026.

About the Balg-Mächler Prize

The Balg-Mächler Prize is awarded annually to young scientists who present outstanding work on changing topics in Urban and Regional Planning in 2025. It honours innovative research, practice-relevant concepts and the promotion of sustainable, future-oriented urban development. The award ceremony takes place regularly in Berlin and offers the honoured graduates a platform for public recognition and networking.