Quartier Innenstadt | Vertical Projekt

^{supervised by: M.Sc. Mara Benteler, M.Sc. Nele Lesemann}

City centers are under increasing pressure to adapt to societal, climatic, social and economic transformation processes. The effects of anthropogenic climate change as well as megatrends such as 'digitalization' and 'new work' are changing city centres and their public spaces. Ground floor zones in particular, which were once used for retail and other commercial purposes, are becoming increasingly less important.

However, the structural change in the retail sector also offers scope for new ideas and comparatively radical transformation modules. A high diversity and mix of uses - such as a combination of housing with educational facilities and residential open space - has great potential to revitalize both city centres and their ground floor zones in the long term.

As part of the 'Quartier Innenstadt' project, we would like to examine the development of the city center into a mixed-use (residential) district using Kassel as an example.
To this end, we will develop conceptual designs for Kassel's city center and define key locations, which we will then examine in more detail and explore architecturally.
In a regular rhythm of table corrections and presentations with guest critics, we will deal with the following questions:

Which uses can enrich the existing city mix and contribute to the transformation?

How can vacant spaces or existing space potential be used to develop the city center district?

Which types are suitable for which uses?

What alternative forms of housing can reactivate the city center?

What potential do retail stores have in the context of inner city transformation?

What type of retail store is suitable for residential use?