The master plan for the transformation of the neighbourhood aims to develop a new concept and prototype for the participatory and climate-resilient revitalisation of residential complexes. The focus is on transforming the neighbourhoods through holistic, sustainable, interdisciplinary and future-proof solutions that place the needs of current and future residents at the centre.
The green centre
Our plans intend to establish the heart of the neighbourhood in the ‘Green Centre’. A lively centre is being created here - a vibrant meeting place with spacious green areas, comfortable seating and water features. Various leisure facilities such as playgrounds, fitness and sports facilities, a motor skills park and a mobility hub are being created in the vicinity of the climate forest. Cafés and public event areas are also planned. The consumer-free ‘green centre’ will become a space for encounters and relaxation.
Building with stock
The concept deliberately provides for almost no new building structures. Instead, the existing buildings are to be utilised and extended for ecological and flexibility reasons. By retaining the existing buildings and using prefabricated modular systems, it is possible to pursue an extremely flexible conversion strategy while preserving the character of the Kanaltalersiedlung.
The existing buildings will be extended by one room width on the outer wall. All three buildings will be made barrier-free via elevators. Window recesses will be enlarged to create light-filled living areas and thus increase the quality of living. In the living areas, we are focussing on state-of-the-art solutions with intelligent floor plans in various flat sizes. No flat is exclusively north-facing - most floor plans even offer views on three sides. As a result, the rooms are bright and excellently ventilated.
Possibility space
As part of the planning process, we were able to develop an additional extra for the future residents - a ‘possibility room’. This space can be used in a variety of ways and can be customised to suit individual needs. It is additional space for everything that would otherwise not find a place - whether as a work room, a cosy guest room, a playroom for the children or simply a room for the free development of a hobby.
Climate resilience
The facades are to be greened in numerous places, including the roofs of balconies, enclosures, canopies and similar areas. Here, too, the greenery ensures biodiversity and regulates the microclimate, as well as protecting against overheating in summer. Instead of traditional lawns, flowering meadows will be created throughout the neighbourhood. These meadows provide a habitat for a wide variety of animals and actively promote the biodiversity of the neighbourhood. In keeping with the ‘sponge city’ concept, the recreational areas and the network of paths also have permeable surfaces. This allows rainwater to be absorbed efficiently and thus contributes to the sustainable management of the green spaces.
Reduction of traffic
Motorised private transport will be actively reduced and parking spaces will be completely removed from the residential area. Parking will only take place along the railway tracks in the underground garage and at ground level in partially covered car parking spaces. The canopies are greened and equipped with photovoltaic systems. The arrangement and division into individual sections creates a lively, green appearance. The canopies can accommodate additional functions such as covered seating islands in the peripheral areas and thus become multifunctional objects.
Networking
In addition to social networking, the creation of the central area, the ‘social hub’, will achieve infrastructural and visual networking. The newly created green space now connects the neighbourhood. It expands the character of the neighbourhood. A green home is evolving.
Participatory development begins even before planning and realisation through the involvement of users and relevant stakeholders. An integrative co-creation process is started, which makes current and future residents in particular contributors and co-designers of their living space. The aim is also to achieve social sustainability.
