Squares and streetscapes

The boulevard, which runs through the entire neighbourhood, connects all areas with each other and represents the inner development axis. The space is flanked on both sides by green spaces that extend from the buildings into the boulevard to varying degrees. This gives the entire space a green appearance. The carriageway meanders through these green spaces.

The four neighbourhood squares lined up along the boulevard have different functions. Osramplatz forms the prelude to the neighbourhood. This is an urban square with cafés, benches and open spaces for markets and events. In the evening, the planted areas here shine in a special light and form circles on the ground. Further south is the smaller Ledvance neighbourhood square. Neighbourhood get-togethers take place here. LED panels in the ground shine here when the square is in use. Wolframplatz will have a special highlight. An illuminated wire spans between the existing trees, creating a special atmosphere in the evening hours. Another square is being created between the workshops in the north. Here, craftsmanship takes centre stage. Small exhibitions and markets will be held here.

Trees and plants

All existing trees in the neighbourhood will be preserved in order to use the quality of the already established trees. The existing trees will be supplemented by planting climatic trees. These are characterised by the fact that they can cope with extreme rainfall and waterlogged soils, but also with longer periods of drought. To avoid having to replace the soil for each tree planting, the site is partially backfilled with the existing material. This gives the trees sufficient root space without having to completely remove the old backfill. When selecting the plants, attention is paid to shallow-rooted species. A species-rich planting of shrubs in front of the residential buildings offers both protection for residents and a habitat for many bird and insect species. The green axes are accompanied at the edges by plantings of shrubs and grasses, which require little maintenance due to their lush and dense growth.

Resilient perennials and grasses are planted within the infiltration troughs, which recover quickly even after long periods under water and also survive longer dry periods well.

Rainwater management

In order to create a sustainable neighbourhood, it is primarily important to unseal the surfaces as extensively as possible. This can create a natural climate with infiltration and evaporation directly on site. However, due to the pollution of the soil in the neighbourhood, this is associated with high costs. The design envisages directing rainwater from the neighbourhood into the designated troughs, where the water can collect and seep away. In these areas, the soil is replaced down to below the layers of backfill so that the rainwater can seep unhindered to the groundwater. In order to channel the rainwater into these troughs, the rest of the site will be partially raised.

Raingardens will be created in front of the buildings facing Berliner Allee. The rainwater from the footpaths and cycle paths and the excess rainwater from the roof areas will be channelled into these areas. Thanks to the revitalised soil layers, the cleaned water can seep into the groundwater or evaporate again on the surface. In the event of heavy rainfall, the trough formation allows water to accumulate and gradually seep away.

The roofs are greened and designed as low retention roofs. This means that rainwater can be retained on the roofs and is available for plants and evaporation.

Spaces and uses

With their elongated shape, the two squares P 2 and P 3 form the southern end of two sub-areas in the new neighbourhood. These public communal areas are intended to be understood and used as green transitional and connecting spaces: direct access from the neighbouring areas to the north means that neighbourly life and play are offered here in the immediate vicinity of the living space, and these green spaces also connect the sections of the neighbourhood with each other in an east-west direction. The lush green setting creates a protected space that nevertheless remains open and inviting. Accessible via ramps and steps, the recessed areas offer space for play and sports as well as various places to spend time. Due to its slightly lowered position, the square is an important component of the rainwater concept. In the event of heavy rainfall, the rainwater can be temporarily stored so that it can then evaporate and seep away over unsealed surfaces. Squares P 4 and P 5 will be designed in the same way. Here, too, intensively planted areas will be created with play and recreational facilities. In area P 4, the paved area for the fire brigade will be reduced to the essentials; necessary traffic areas and planted areas will interlock and form soft transitions.

The neighbourhood is invited to meet here on the long benches in the shade under the trees. The small square P 5 forms an island within the necessary turning loop. As very little traffic is expected here, the entire street space can be designed as a square. The inner area forms the green centre. Hedges create a retreat here and large trees provide the necessary shade for the paved areas. Retention areas are also generated here

Rainwater is collected in the recessed areas of the squares and seeps away or evaporates. Integrated or neighbouring plants are selected with a view to tolerating longer dry periods and temporary water accumulation.

Cornflower Square forms the heart of the neighbourhood. Commercial areas and cafés are located here, giving the square a special significance as a place to spend time. The central idea of bringing plenty of greenery into the neighbourhood is also continued here. The green spaces extend across the square and at the same time form a frame towards the street. The areas planted intensively with shrubs and grasses are supplemented by infiltration troughs at the edges. The centre of the square is deliberately kept open to provide space for events such as flea markets. Small drinking fountains offer the opportunity for refreshment and play. 2 cafés line the edges of the square.

In addition to car parking spaces, particular emphasis is placed on a large number of bicycle parking spaces. Bicycles can be parked at various locations; cargo bikes and e-bikes of all kinds can also be charged and parked, making the local shopping centre modern and inviting. This is supported by parking spaces for car sharing, micro and light vehicles and areas for mixed use.

The daycare centre’s raised garden, which is located on the first floor and protected by wide shrubbery, is particularly noteworthy. In addition to play hills and play elements, there are also other deciduous and fruit trees here, which, in combination with beds in the raised garden and inner courtyard, invite children to plant and eat their own food.

The sections of the open spaces correspond closely to the new school building. The forecourt, which opens onto the street, leads directly into the “heart” of the school campus, the central courtyard between the old and new buildings. The fact that a large part of the courtyard is underpinned by a bunker requires raised planting beds for the necessary tree planting. Chill and learning decks alternating with seating steps turn the resulting raised beds into meeting places during breaks and free periods. The cubature of the raised beds is orientated towards the building structures and creates flowing, semi-open spaces that allow individual occupation of the courtyard while maintaining the necessary clarity. A partially covered area for learning and working at group tables and benches is provided in the northern part of the courtyard, somewhat separated from the break area.

The large playground offers sufficient space for exercise, especially for the younger age groups. The existing exercise facilities to the west of the gymnasium will be supplemented by additional facilities such as calisthenics equipment and parcours elements.

In addition to the requirements of the exercise and learning landscape, the open spaces also fulfil fundamental functions of resilient and sustainable area development. These include a maximum of structurally rich vegetation areas, water-permeable surface paving and rainwater management as a circulation system. All roof surfaces of the school buildings are intensively greened – an approx. 20-30 cm thick layer of substrate stores the rainwater and makes it available to the plants. Where possible, rainwater from the paved areas is channelled into the drainage and storage layer of the raised tree beds and also collected in cisterns for the use of service water.

Open space concept ❘ A central square forms the heart of the new neighbourhood – a forum. This is where the opportunities for exchange, learning and research are concentrated. Open courtyard communities that form around the central square merge into the landscape. Their informal design allows for diverse appropriation and is characterised by the “open” green surfaces.
The neighbourhood is also surrounded by an open landscape area with meadows for play and sport and additional space for animal enclosures and the learning garden.
A flowering perennial field with a walking path and jogging track surrounds the Allende. This serves as a break and after-work diversion and connects the individual courtyard communities.
Existing rows of trees of the natural monuments remain untouched, are supplemented and form a spatial setting. The Appelbreistiege will be crossed carefully and with narrow bridges over the existing ditches. This crossing is kept to a minimum and is designated exclusively for pedestrians and cyclists.
The green corridor along the Kinderbach stream in the north of the site will be brought right up to the central square of the new neighbourhood. This will provide the existing courtyard complex and even smaller individual buildings in the neighbourhood with a lush green environment.

Path and traffic concept ❘ Star-shaped avenues open up the site. They connect to the existing network of paths and meet in the centre of the site. They connect the new district with neighbouring areas such as the research campus, Münster’s city centre and the centre of Gievenbeck. The most important connection is the route from the city centre via the research campus to the centre of the new quarter. The junction with Busso-Peus-Straße is emphasised by a circle of trees and the new buildings on the west side form a gateway to the new quarter. Of the total of five access roads, four are intended exclusively for pedestrians and cyclists. Each street is lined with green spaces and framed by the buildings.
Coming from the north, from Gievenbecker Weg, motorised traffic will be routed to the central square under the underground car park. Delivery, emergency and refuse vehicles can drive through the neighbourhood on a ring road. The courtyard communities can be delivered via the gravelled lawn areas.

Drainage concept ❘ The design follows the principle of the “sponge city” with the components of evaporation, storage and infiltration of rainwater. If the surface materials allow a low level of evaporation or infiltration, the rainwater that accumulates on the open spaces is channelled to troughs and deep beds via suitably designed open ditches or via cross-slopes created on the paths and squares. These are designed for a high evaporation capacity through appropriate planting, in some cases with trees, and are designed in such a way that they also improve the quality of stay and the microclimate.
In addition, retention areas are used for the temporary storage of rainwater for delayed reuse. Part of this is utilised for water storage and groundwater recharge via infiltration trench systems, tree-riogole systems and additional underground systems.

Neighbourhood squares ❘ The first section of the neighbourhood park is formed by a small neighbourhood square to the west, which serves as a meeting spot. Here, large trees provide shade and benches offer places to sit down and relax. Bicycle racks are located on the perimeter. The entire square consists of a barrier-free water-permeable path that links directly into the paths through the green corridors. The southern square is a lively outdoor area where shops and cafés are located, inviting people to linger on the square. Here too, generous planted areas provide areas where rainwater can collect, seep away and evaporate. Paved areas are to be minimised in favour of creating large green spaces. Trees in the green landscaped areas also serve to shade the paved areas and prevent them from heating up in summer, creating a pleasant microclimate.

Materials and planting ❘ In selecting materials, emphasis has been placed on the responsible use of resources. Great importance is attached to ensuring short supply routes, using local materials and CO2-neutral forms of production. The amount of paved areas is deliberately kept to a minimum. Curved paths through the park have a water-permeable surface, whereby the top layer is strewn with a local gravel mix. The generously dimensioned path through the park will be divided into two areas. A barrier-free 1.5-metre-wide strip will be paved and offer a circular path to serve the needs of skaters, bobby cars and scooters for example. The remaining strip of 2.5 metres will be resurfaced as a water-permeable path. The park’s planting scheme will be intentionally varied, with more intensively planted areas alternating with open lawns and meadows. Towards the edges, vegetation is intensified. Not only do the various tree types stand closer together, they are also underplanted with shrubs. Animal habitats are provided for by nesting and nourishing shrubs. In selecting the plants, careful thought has been given to species diversity and sustainability, with a view to increasing biodiversity in the park.

 Lighting concept ❘ The lighting is designed to enhance the night-time atmosphere and to ensure the safety of neighbouring residents. This will encourage people to use the green corridor during the evening hours too, and help create a feeling of security. To this end, energy-saving LED lights will be used, which not only protect the environment but also reduce operating costs. Park lighting is also designed to be respectful of the surroundings and prevent any disturbance to wildlife.

Open spaces

All squares and streets follow the principle of the sponge city with the highest possible proportion of unsealed surfaces. Where sealed areas are required, care is taken to use permeable surfaces wherever possible. In addition, the green areas are slightly recessed in order to retain rainwater and allow it to seep away and evaporate directly on site. This mix of green and paved areas also offers a wide variety of recreational and play areas. The entrance to the new neighbourhood is formed by a large square that connects the railway station, the school and the new residential area. Various meeting and recreational areas for young and old will be created here, structured by large green spaces. In the residential neighbourhood, the village green will create attractive public squares and play areas without traffic congestion. Semi-public residential courtyards and the private and communal green spaces assigned to the ground-floor flats will be created, resulting in communicative neighbourhoods. The northern end will have a small square with a play area as an entrance from the existing residential development. In addition to the obligatory climate resilience of the large trees, the choice of plants is orientated towards a flower-rich, near-natural appearance with high drought tolerance, which not only strengthens biodiversity but also offers varied flowering aspects throughout the year.Small climatic forests will be planted on the edges of the railway and school campus to act as a buffer to the buildings.All footpaths in the landscape area are loosely accompanied by fruit trees and link up with the surrounding network of paths – the landscape area thus retains its expanse.It is proposed to relocate the existing Lindenhof riding centre to the landscape area, as this will allow for future expansion and development.The sports and leisure areas, including the three extended tennis courts, are arranged in such a way as to create synergies with the utilisation of the open spaces.

The outdoor facilities of the vocational training center are characterized by a well-thought-out and attractive design that takes both functional and aesthetic aspects into account. The spacious forecourt, which forms a contrast to the concrete block area with an inlay of grass paving stones, invites you to linger and offers numerous seating options that are embedded in the surrounding slabs. This creates a harmonious connection between urban design and natural surroundings and forms an important contribution to the trees’ rainwater concept. The bicycle parking spaces are also laid out on grass pavers, allowing rainwater to seep away. This allows drainage to be optimized and a spacious green area to be created that offers space for numerous trees.
Small green courtyards provide additional green oases in the outdoor area of the education center. Here, learners can enjoy a natural environment and spend time in a relaxed atmosphere. In addition, a spacious terrace area was created that can be used multifunctionally.
Here there is not only space for learning and working, but also for eating and relaxing. Particular attention was paid to creating only the minimum amount of paved areas for deliveries and collections. This creates a large green zone that is not only aesthetically appealing, but also promotes ecological balance. The use of parking spaces made of grass grids with intermediate greenery creates further opportunities for integrating trees, which round off the overall appearance of the outdoor areas and create a harmonious connection to nature.

The central mobility area will become a mixed traffic area. The adjacent car parking spaces above ground are only available to the residents of the single-family homes in order to keep the number of private cars in the neighbourhood to a minimum. Decentralised waste collection points and bicycle parking facilities at the entrances to the neighbourhood contribute to the creation of a low-car neighbourhood with short distances.

The following points are integrated into the planning for sustainable development:
– Preservation of existing trees in combination with targeted planting of new trees
– Creation of new private, communal and public open spaces
– Creation of rainwater retention in the form of retention troughs along the Oberer Bruchweg
– Greened and planted underground car park ceilings
– Green façades and roofs, combined with solar/PV systems
– Efficient building technology utilising renewable energy sources
– Networking and reducing traffic

Airy garden zones with path axes are planned, accompanied by a green infrastructure for binding CO2, cooling the city, fresh air, rainwater retention, infiltration during heavy rainfall and groundwater recharge.

The new residential quarter is characterised by the close networking of block interiors and exteriors. The spatial and functional interactions between the inner courtyards, the central square and the neighbouring urban spaces give individual house units a distinctive character, their own orientation and a high quality of stay. The result is a neighbourhood of short distances and clearly defined spaces.
A small “neighbourhood square” at the intersection of various paths and visual connections forms the centre of the quarter. The spatial constrictions at the square entrances indicate the neighbourhood-related character of the square. The quiet atmosphere of the landscaped courtyards at the sides contrasts with the more public character of the neighbourhood square and thus supports its central importance. The open structure of the neighbourhood also enables pedestrian connections to the nearby old and new neighbourhoods and green spaces. The natural play facilities in the residential courtyards strengthen social cohesion and turn the open spaces into lively meeting places. Permanently installed table-bench combinations under the pergolas and an initial range of areas for urban farming, which can be expanded if required, are also part of the project.

The square’s design language makes reference to the area’s historical industrial architecture, with its linear-patterned brick facades and regular arrangement of windows. This configuration serves as a precedent for the design of the square and is translated into the paving system in the form of a large-scale grid that spatially clearly defines the square and gives it a singular character. The design also incorporates the existing historic wall on the area’s south-western boundary, which is dismantled and reused in the form of wall panels and for furnishing the square. These wall and furnishing elements serve to structure the square and, depending on the vantage point, generate different spatial effects. Extensive, irregularly shaped areas of planting are arranged so as to incorporate the valuable existing trees on site, and they also help to define key pedestrian routes across the square. This, combined with the judicious placing of wall panels that intersect and delineate the planted areas, produces exciting vistas that exploit ideas such as transparency and demarcation, or foreground and background, and it alters how people perceive the square depending on where they are. The overall structure of the square creates an exterior and an interior space, and thereby areas with different atmospheres and diverse qualities. Areas fronting the new building are distinguished by a change in grid format and are mostly kept free as paths and for outdoor catering. They also provide a mineral contrast to the intensively landscaped centre of the square.