ul class="overview_list " id="projectList">

  • Landscape Campus, Flensburg

    At Campus Flensburg the landscape takes center stage. The site, which is shared between the European University Flensburg (EUF) and the University of Flensburg, features areas of dense urban structures juxtaposed against expanses of undisturbed nature. Because of its proximity to the town's centre, the campus constitutes an important site for enabling citizens' access to nature, as well as a social space and a logistical link for students. Our design acknowledges this, and despite expanding the campus to accommodate more students and add new uses, no additional land is sealed.

    The plan was developed through a cooperative workshop procedure together with our team-mates at TREIBHAUS. It embraces the different urban planning qualities of the two universities and the connecting landscape park as well as the needs of all stakeholders, locating shared facilities for all users at the heart of the campus. A central element of the design is the campus loop, which serves as an important pedestrian route across the campus while also facilitating orientation. This path is complemented by the garden loop, a greener route creating connections to the open spaces and the surrounding area.

    The overall campus design observes holistic principles of sufficiency and circularity; requirements for buildings, infrastructure and parking spaces are critically scrutinised, while sustainable mobility and energy solutions go hand in hand with integrated design to ensure that resources are efficiently shared and reused. The consistent development of ground-level parking and a strategy of redensification preserves the defining quality of the campus to be preserved - its green, open landscape.

    in progress
    2024

  • Dransdorfer Berg, Bonn

    A community-oriented neighborhood is taking shape on the site of the former municipal plant nursery, combining living, education, care, and nature conservation.
    The existing fabric, including the greenhouses, seedbeds, and wild green spaces, shapes the design. The characteristic sloped roofs become a design motif, while generous green spaces invite the landscape to flow into the neighborhood.
    At the heart of the quarter lies the ‚Werkhof' – a vibrant hub with workshops, gardens, a canteen, and programs offered by the Montag Foundation and the Neue Stadtgärtnerei initiative. Care facilities and a café complement this communal enter. The residential buildings follow the north-south orientation of the existing layout. The timber frame construction allows for flexible layouts and supports diverse living concepts. Shared outdoor spaces encourage neighborhood interaction.
    A green belt with wild zones, large trees, and seedbeds links the neighborhood to the landscape, fosters biodiversity, and invites exploration along an adventure trail.

    in progress
    2025

  • Model Quarter 1, Münster

    The design is based on the historical elements of Münster's cultural landscape and incorporates them into the spatial concept. Starting from the waterway, a carefully configured open space framework of landscape and park areas with site-specific focal points and functions structures the space and forms the basis for an attractive and future-proof model district. A combination of a high mix of uses for revitalization and open-use structures for flexible development
    forms the structural backbone of an adaptable and sustainable urban quarter. New ideas of living, sharing and working together will become a living reality here.


    The open space concept pursues a careful interlocking of landscape and urban development, in which the natural topography and existing biotope structures are integrated into the urban development. Starting from the waterway, the landscape flows through the entire design area and connects the new buildings with their surroundings. This creates a harmonious interplay between open cultural landscape, urban life and natural design. The focus here is on the use of rainwater, which is integrated into the open spaces not only functionally but also in terms of design.
    The mobility concept is based on the promotion of eco-mobility with a clear focus on public transport, cycling and walking and thus contributes to reducing emissions, increasing quality of life and climate-resilient development of the
    neighborhood.

    Idea
    2025

  • Setex Areal, Greven

    The proposed neighbourhood combines compact urban living with generous landscape access. Two distinct spatial characters define the overall structure:


    1. Ems-Karree, an urban block structure anchored by a central neighbourhood square, providing space for local amenities, working and community uses.


    2. Ems-Gärten, a residential area of green courtyards and open structures with a direct link to the restored Ems river landscape.


    A public axis connects the main road to the southern riverside. This spine creates a coherent sequence of urban spaces and green corridors, ending in the Deichterrasse – a central public landscape element with promenade, playground and open lawn.
    The urban figure responds to topography and noise with a robust perimeter edge towards the Münsterdamm and a gradual opening towards the Ems floodplain. Different housing typologies and compact building forms allow for a mix of uses and flexible living models.
    The open space concept merges urban squares, shared courtyards and riverside landscape into a continuous network. The Ems cycle path links the neighbourhood to regional routes and reinforces the experience of nature as part of everyday life.

    Idea
    2025

  • Emil on the move, Musikzentrum Hanover

    Hanover's Vahrenwald district is on the move. The development of the previously isolated area around the Musikzentrum and the reconnection with its surroundings offer the opportunity to act as a catalyst for sustainable neighbourhood development in the surrounding and beyond - as an exciting productive quarter for cultural industries and urban production, as a green corridor that connects and improves the urban climate and as an open, inviting urban space for play, sport and exercise, especially for children and young people.

    In terms of urban space, the neighbourhood has two central qualities. On one side, the urban space is characterised by the typical 'Vahrenwald block' - clearly structured spaces, characterised by residential use and protected greenery in the inner courtyards, but also a lack of public green, recreational and play areas. On the other side, the railway line borders the neighbourhood - a strong barrier effect, noise pollution, but also biotope structures worthy of protection and plenty of space for previously underrepresented uses and new ideas.

    A targeted opening towards the neighbourhood and a diverse mix of uses will turn the site into an inclusive meeting place that combines commerce, housing, culture, education and social participation. Low-threshold cultural and leisure activities not only promote creativity and equal opportunities, but also strengthen the residents' sense of belonging. By reflecting on different planning scenarios, an overall concept was developed that focuses on resilient, phased urban development, utilises the potential of the existing buildings and anticipates the dynamics of the local cultural scene.

    completed
    2025

  • Istropolis, Bratislava

    The transformation of Trnavské Mýto into a dynamic cultural and urban hub is entering its next phase. With the building permit secured, Istropolis—designed by CITYFÖRSTER and KCAP in collaboration with Immocap—will break ground in summer 2025.

    The project will introduce a state-of-the-art concert and congress hall, modern residences, and high-quality office spaces. The 3,000-person venue will host diverse cultural and business events, featuring in-the-round seating and multi-event flexibility. Offices will include a grand atria and flexible workspaces, while the residences will be nestled within green courtyards and pedestrian-friendly streets.

    Istropolis sets new standards in sustainable urban development, integrating passive climate solutions, energy-efficient design, and biodiverse public spaces with 147 trees, 70 local plant species, and dedicated cycling infrastructure. Long overlooked despite its central location, Trnavské Mýto will soon be revitalized with green promenades, fountains, and a lively public square, supporting markets, gatherings, and everyday life.

    With construction set to begin, Istropolis moves from vision to reality, shaping the future of Bratislava through architecture, sustainability, and vibrant public life.

    in progress
    2025

  • Intergrated Tourism Masterplan for Dushanbe, Dushanbe

    The overall objective of the assignment is to develop a Tourism Master Plan for the Tourism Development Area (TDA) of Dushanbe and surrounding areas that is seamlessly integrated with plans for national, regional, and urban development, including relevant legal and regulatory requirements, sociocultural and environmental safeguards, financing needs and modalities, and assessment of economic viability of proposed investments along with more detailed pre-feasibility studies on the highest-priority individual projects. To achieve the overall objective, the following specific objectives are established:

    1. Conduct a comprehensive Strategic Analysis for tourism development in Dushanbe, including tourism demand and marketing mix fundamentals of tourism clusters, supporting factors and resources for destination competitiveness and sustainability, infrastructure and urban services in tourism clusters, regulatory/planning framework, sociocultural and environmental impacts.

    2. Develop a Tourism Master Plan for Dushanbe based on its key success factors as international destination, defining strategic framework, spatial tourism planning, a governance structure for tourism development, high-level development plans in critical components of tourism competitiveness and sustainability, sociocultural and environmental safeguards, and investment plan with the prioritization of the proposed projects.

    3. Prepare Concept Papers for the highest priority investment projects, including description, rationale, scope, and expected impacts.

    completed
    2024

  • Meidline, Vienna

    Our design proposal for a pedestrian bridge competition in Meidling, Vienna, transforms the district by combining urban design, nature, and community. The task was to link the new security center development, with 4,000 employees located north of the highway and train tracks, to the tram station in Meidling to the south.

    Instead of simply building a linear connection, we envisioned the bridge as a floating public space that reclaims underutilized infrastructure. Spanning roads and railways, the design connects existing parks, creating a cohesive green corridor. At its heart is an elevated public square- a vibrant space featuring green areas, a nature-inspired playground, a sports zone, and a café with views of Vienna.

    This „hijacking infrastructure" approach reimagines the site not as a gap to bridge but as an opportunity to enhance engagement, recreation, and ecological richness in the surroundings. The design incorporates native trees, water-permeable surfaces, and rainwater management to improve its environmental footprint. Parks like Theodor-Körner-Park and Kasernenpark are unified under the MeidLine vision, offering complementary activities while enhancing space for greenery and biodiversity.

    A participatory development process ensures the local community helps shape the final space, which could host events, markets, and performances. By prioritizing green infrastructure and flexible urban design, the MeidLine not only connects but revitalizes. This project demonstrates how underutilized infrastructure can catalyze social cohesion and environmental restoration, creating a greener, more dynamic future for rapidly growing cities like Vienna.

    Renders by: The Big Picture

    Idea
    2024

  • Roofscapes Bremen, Bremen

    As part of the Centrum Bremen 2030+ strategy, the city of Bremen has recognized the potential of rooftops for the transformation of the city centre and has taken initial measures to implement them. The action plan for roofscapes in Centrum Bremen offers new perspectives for the innovative use of roofs. Private and public owners of retail and office properties and parking garages were supported in identifying the potential of their roofs.

    The planned conversion of roof areas is intended to create new spaces for people and nature and revitalize the city centre. Possible uses include social meeting places, cultural and gastronomic offerings, urban food production, the promotion of biodiversity, the improvement of the microclimate and energy production. Pilot projects were to be implemented after examining the structural, constructional and legal requirements and supported by funding of the federal ZIZ program.

    However, the project revealed that implementation was made considerably more difficult by structural, building law and economic challenges. Although many owners were open-minded and the urban planning conditions were favorable, funding conditions and structural conditions often did not match. Nevertheless, the concept provides important insights into the transformation of the real estate portfolio and shows that realistic, long-term approaches are necessary in order to achieve sustainable and future-oriented development.

    The documentation of the concept of action you will find here.
    The roof catalogue you will find here.

    completed
    2023-2024

  • Green Forum, Munich

    The concept identifies three potential areas for careful urban extension: two urban neighbourhoods adjoining Feldmoching and Ludwigsfeld, and one landscape-oriented neighbourhood north of the Fasanerie. Areas of high landscape value such as Feldmoching North/West, the Obermoos and the Schrederwiesen remain undeveloped. The new neighbourhoods connect sensitively to the existing urban fabric, with open spaces acting as linking elements. A broad range of housing types strengthens social mix and creates long-term perspectives for existing residents. Local supply facilities as well as new social and educational infrastructure complement areas that are currently underserved.

    The mobility concept relieves existing neighbourhoods by prioritising public transport, cycling and walking. The "Landscape Tram" connects neighbourhoods and recreational destinations with the regional public transport network, while compact districts offer additional options such as car sharing, bike sharing and micro-mobility.

    The landscape concept builds on the productive character of the moor and heath landscape, structured by park corridors and a fine-grained network of paths. Lakes, avenues and riparian zones provide continuity and orientation. The management of rainwater and groundwater becomes a strategic component of a co-productive landscape, integrating retention areas, greywater reuse, soil-sensitive land management and rewetting strategies.

    in progress
    2024-2026

  • Neighbourhood Island Heiterblick, Leipzig

    Large-scale networked, small-scale mixed and circularly organised - this is how we envisage the future urban expansion of the growing city of Leipzig. The landscape and urban space of Heiterblick-Süd is characterised by typologically very different settlement clusters within an open space shaped by woodland and agriculture. The design takes up this existing structure and supplements it with another compact and mixed neighbourhood embedded in a flowing and interconnected landscape - the neighbourhood island Heiterblick.


    The landscape of the Paunsdorfer Bogen is continued both to the north and south and linked with the forest and field areas to the east of the motorway. The compact neighbourhood contour folds inwards and creates green fingers that act as climate corridors and ensure effective air exchange within the neighbourhood. This creates a total of five clusters that overlap in the centre and form a bundled, central district hub with a wide variety of uses. In addition to the common centre, five green squares will create a hub and meeting points for the various neighbourhoods. These will have clear addresses and different characters. The individual neighbourhoods each have their own mix of different residential building typologies, while the centre of the district is characterised by a vertical mix of uses and public ground floor zones. The focus here is on communal and sufficient forms of living.

    completed
    2024

  • Carbon-Based Urbanism

    When we completed our research project titled 'Carbon-Based Design' in 2020, we were left with more questions than answers. That study had focused on means to draw down the embodied carbon of buildings, and had explored improved materials, changes to construction processes, improvements in design and incorporation of modern insulation and other technology. But we're urbanists as well as architects, and one statistic stood out. In the built environment, buildings themselves account for only 15% of total emissions. So what about the other 85%?

    And so Carbon-Based Urbanism started: a sustainable city is more than the sum of sustainable buildings. Sustainable construction focuses on the scale of the building (embodied and operational emissions), and there is a strong focus on remaining within the agreements of the Paris Agreement. But if the focus of sustainable construction is not broadened, a blind spot will arise at the urban planning level: where are we going to build, what types of (residential) forms, how do we organize mobility, and how do we ensure that people can live sustainably in the city?

    Cityförster, PosadMaxwan, and the Municipality of Rotterdam have joined forces in this research project. With the main question "what is the role of urban design on the CO₂ impact of Buildings, Areas, and Users in new neighbourhoods?", the research analyses the footprint of 12 Rotterdam neighbourhoods, explicitly looking beyond the building itself to include public space, mobility, and the lifestyle of users. A clear correlation emerges between urban planning factors (such as density indicators and distance to amenities) and the CO₂ footprint per person. This shows that urban planning does indeed have a role to play in sustainable construction, which can offer a new perspective on urban development.

    With six lessons learned, the report presents insights into the footprint of different neighborhood types, which emission categories have the most impact, how emissions from the built environment relate to emissions from residents, and what urban factors can play a pivotal role to reduce emissions. The research teaches us that not only how we build is urgent, but that also where we build and what kind of neighbourhoods should be part of the sustainability debate.

    Our project partners are PosadMaxwan, Municipality of Rotterdam, TU Delft , Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency, DGBC, ERA Contour and Synchroon.

    This project was made possible by the generous support of TBI, Stimuleringsfonds Creatieve Industrie and the Municipality of Rotterdam

    Download the report now via the pop-up form.
    Print copies will be available soon at NAi Boekverkopers. Stay tuned!

    in progress

  • Henschel Quarter, Kassel

    The Henschel Quarter opens up hertitage sites to the public and secures them through flexible use. It is integrated into the city and is accessible to everyone. The aim is to preserve the historic industrial culture and make it usable. Listed buildings are carefully restored and remain part of the public space. The industrial past will be preserved through minimally invasive interventions, while new and predominantly commercial uses will revitalize the old halls. The open space will be transformed, historical traces such as tracks and crane runways will be preserved, supplemented by green spaces and playgrounds. In terms of urban planning, small-scale building typologies create the transition to adjacent districts, while high points mark important locations. Connections for pedestrians and cyclists create a continuous and close-knit network in the district. The existing buildings will be supplemented by new buildings whose design is based on the industrial character. Historic parts of the buildings will be retained and partially integrated into the outdoor space. In the center of the quarter, a "hall for all" with restaurants, culture and sports will be created, surrounded by creative and commercial uses.

    The Henschel Quarter focuses on sustainability by preserving the existing buildings and reusing gray energy. Demolition materials are recycled on site and new buildings are constructed from sustainable materials. Renewable energies such as solar panels and geothermal energy supply the quarter, while open spaces improve the microclimate, and the combination of history, commercial, cultural and innovative offerings makes the Henschel Quarter a vibrant part of Kassel.

    completed
    2024

  • Fourth Quadrant of Victory Square, Prague

    The design of this project was guided by a desire to enhance both the functionality and aesthetic value of the area. The team sought to complete Engel's visionary concept for Victory Square, creating a central space that would serve as a dynamic and vibrant hub within Dejvice. By closing the semicircle around Victory Square, the project reinforces the strength of the square's geometric design and establishes a clear, cohesive axis through the heart of the UCT campus. This newly completed space offers a destination for students, residents, and visitors alike, contributing to the broader vitality of Prague.

    A key aspect of the project was the creation of a new urban layout with carefully designed, symmetrical blocks that prioritized high-quality public spaces. These spaces were intended to be interconnected and easily accessible from all directions, enhancing the flow and integration of the area. The two adjacent blocks, while sharing a similar footprint, respond to their different contexts in distinct ways. The western block features a sunken square at the center of Zikova Street, serving as a lively academic and administrative hub. In contrast, the northern block offered a residential setting with a semi-enclosed courtyard, providing a peaceful retreat for its residents and visitors.

    The architecture of the development took its cues from the surrounding Dejvice area, blending modern functionality with a clear sense of place. Each building's facade is designed to reflect its unique function, context, and orientation. The apartment buildings offer flexible layouts, accommodating a range of residential needs, while the office and institutional structures feature large, open atriums that activate the ground floor. These spaces remain inviting and lively year-round, even during the winter months. Additionally, the project prioritized sustainability, with an emphasis on energy-efficient buildings and infrastructure made from durable materials. The surrounding public spaces were designed to promote sustainable transportation options, contributing to a greener, more resilient urban environment.

     

    Idea
    2023

  • At home in Gutleut-West, Frankfurt a. M.

    What potential does Frankfurt's city centre have for conversion and sustainable inner city development? The Gutleut district in the heart of Frankfurt has so far been an infrastructurally characterised transit area and largely isolated from the nearby banks of the Main. The concept pursues the vision of transforming the area into a productive city and combining urgently needed affordable housing with urban production and new neighbourhood infrastructure. Gutleutstrasse becomes a climate strip and connects the north and south of the neighbourhood as a linear open space. Green axes connect the neighbourhood with the water. Public and residential facilities such as a school, daycare centre, local supermarket and neighbourhood meeting point ensure frequency and short distances. Institutional spaces such as the sports hall and theatre open their doors to the neighbourhood.
    The banks of the Main will be designed as a sports and recreational area and, together with the Klimastrip, will create a new blue-green neighbourhood character. In the overarching urban context, Gutleut-West will in future follow the guiding principle of a high-contrast, loosened-up and green urban landscape. Striking landmarks such as the power station and the water reservoir characterise the cityscape and mark the transition to the city centre. The central idea of 'infrastructure as a lever' illustrates the transformative potential of human-centred infrastructures. Such infrastructures go beyond their original, purely technical function and create the conditions for positive social developments. They offer the opportunity to attract interesting stakeholders from different areas and thus create synergies that radiate far beyond the built environment.

    completed
    2024