Zurich / Rotterdam , December 19, 2014 – German investor Deutsche Wohnwerte, â�‹â�‹in cooperation with the planning team consisting of KCAP Architects&Planners, B&V Braun Canton Volleth Architekten and TOPOTEK 1 Landscape Architects has won the investors’ competition for a new residential area in Frankfurt Riedberg. The team was chosen out of 19 teams in the competition, as was announced by the city of Frankfurt am Main and conducted by the HA Stadtentwicklungsgesellschaft.
The 4.3 hectare site is located between the University of Frankfurt and two parks. The car-free planned neighborhood with 322 apartments benefits from magnificent views and generous space. Within the development strategy for the city district of Riedberg, it is the last major development to complete the "University" quarter.
The winning urban concept creates both compactness and diversity, while responding to the topography of the site and highlighting the relation to green space as a central concept. Eight differently sized blocks are positioned in a village-like setting around squares, playgrounds, meadows or meeting places. The inner courtyards and the outdoor spaces around the buildings vary in both size and level of privacy. On three locations public open spaces offer meeting areas in the neighbourhood. The central square is strategically positioned to offer views looking over the skyline of Frankfurt. A fine network of paths following the principle of the "open city" connects the quarter to its surroundings.
Structured silhouettes and large roof incisions provide for a variety of apartments benefits from the excellent location and views. Coherence is created by the overarching special function of the ground floor area within the concept. Different floor plan typologies strengthen the identity of the adjoiningpublic space and also stimulate interactions between the ground floor and its surroundings. Allground floor apartments are accessed directly from the public space. Equipped with front yards, verandas, direct exposure to the park, or to the introverted courtyard, they all interact with the public space in different ways.
The open appearance of the ground floor, together with the choice of brick as a unifying yet variablematerial in terms of colour and texture, support the principle of unity and diversity. In this way, the design proposal responds to the aim of the competition brief to realize "a high-quality, identity givingresidential district with a demanding, sophisticated design". At the same time the diversity in spaces and typologies will attract a mix of residents to establish a community in this new development.
