NETZ_WERK

The area along the river is characterised by urban breaks and spaces in between - there are gaps between buildings, residual areas of former industries as well as commercial settlements.

The design proposes a revitalisation concept based on concept allocations, which offers urban experimentation areas and is intended to encourage the local urban population to participate in the development process.

The infrastructure within the design area is provided by fixed interventions. This ensures accessibility through a network of paths and creates a public service-orientated offer with predetermined uses, which provides the basis for appropriation processes.
Neighbourhood development takes place on five levels, each of which functions via concept allocation: Production,  Movement, Community, Nature and Housing. The whole process takes place in several phases and is accompanied by the establishment of an association structure as well as information and community events.

We went a bit more into detail in the central area which today is a mostly abandoned meadow framed by prefabricated buildings, a former car dealership, the river and industrial storage tanks.

At a central point in the area we proposed a tower which stands out from its surroundings due to its height and special design language. The building serves as a landmark and thus significantly characterises the atmosphere of the area. In addition to its function as an identity-forming symbol, the tower promotes co-habitation in the design area. Nesting boxes, insect hotels and shelters integrated into the façade provide space for a variety of different bird and insect species. The tower is thus brought to life by being appropriated by non-human actors.
We  did some research on local bird and insect species and their needs and integrated what we had learnt into the design of the tower.