Elsenstrasse master plan competition Master plan for a sustainable commercial district

The Elsenstrasse commercial quarter is designed to meet the latest and future requirements for work processes. Product development, test runs and attractive employee facilities are to go hand in hand and be developed together in the interior and exterior spaces. Ecologically sustainable design is also an important design objective. The focus here is primarily on the urban climate, which is also to be promoted in sometimes new, unusual ways - try something else!



Central factors for this are the maximization of planted areas and tree planting as well as the creative and resource-conserving use of water, especially rainwater. The structure of the open space is divided into the urban components of squares, courtyards and alleyways. Each spatial element offers characteristic places to stay and work. Further levels are the roof landscapes (Skyscapes) and the underground car park (Cool Level). Mobility is an important topic and pedestrian and bicycle traffic are at the forefront of the district center. The bicycle ramp to the underground parking garage is given a prominent position on the large square. It will become a seating area from which the activities on the 'square stage' can be observed. Access within the quarter is deliberately not via roads, but via alleyways that are primarily reserved for pedestrians and cyclists. The Smart Yards are the 'living rooms' of the surrounding buildings and can be used flexibly as outdoor living and working spaces. At the same time, the courtyards are 'pictures' that can be seen from the upper floors. Plant islands divide the space into more intimate and more open areas. There is enough free space to work, tinker, build and exhibit in the courtyards.