Bergedorf West

In collaboration with ADEPT, Karres en Brands made a transformation strategy for the social housing area Bergedorf West. The strategy is part of a parallel study, which explores new urban and architectural concepts for the housing association estates from the 1950s-1970s in Hamburg. The strategy shows how we with simple principles can re-use our modernist housing legacy, in a more sustainable way than simply erasing the mistakes of the past. Bringing out the potentials and upcycling the modernist dream.

The Oberbillwerder masterplan (planned by ADEPT and Karres en Brands) will lead to significant changes in the adjacent districts in the coming years. This creates new possibilities for Bergedorf West, a classical modernist housing area from 1969. The aim is to interconnect both districts, fuelling an urban revitalization of the monofunctional area, and creating a more coherent living district in Hamburg. Today the area consists of building blocks, repeatedly stamped onto a carpet of anonymous green, which hamper orientation and social interaction. By introducing new typologies, cutting and adding onto the existing building mass, new courtyards are formed. This creates a clearer division between public and private space and offers a more diverse palette for ways of living and ownership.

Developments at strategic points starts the transformation, whilst preserving existing important buildings and strengthening the spatial qualities of the area. Through minimal interventions, such as opening connections and introducing a mixed program at ground floor level, a greater hierarchy of spaces is achieved. The new urban structure is organized with commercial- and public functions including mobility hubs, along one central street. Local neighbourhood squares function as social anchor points, that both connect residents but also function as intersection points with the surrounding quarters.  Green corridors running from east-west connecting to district functions, such as schools and sports facilities and to new public infrastructure in Oberbillwerder. 

That shows how we with simple principles can re-use our modernist housing legacy, in a more sustainable way than simply erasing the mistakes of the past. Bringin out the potentials and upcycling the modernist dream.