Science City Bahrenfeld

Karres en Brands together with ADEPT has made a proposal for international competition Science City Bahrenfeld for a new urban quarter in Hamburg. The neighborhoods in Volkspark emerge as a new type of campus, seamlessly integrated into the city. The network of learning spaces is integrated into the entire urban structure, transforming the district into a place where all generations can meet, learn, live, and work together.

The proposal transforms the district adjacent to Volkspark into a vibrant hub for gathering and learning, with active learning taking place at the university and continuous learning happening daily in schools, daycares, and public spaces. The district offers diverse learning environments, ranging from formal institutions like universities and schools to informal settings associated with social institutions, particularly in open areas. Learning often occurs naturally and unintentionally through interactions with others, promoting informal exchanges that spark creativity and foster active interpersonal connections among all users. This organic process helps shape the district's identity and strengthens people's connection with it.

The starting point is the Altonaer Volkspark, the heart of Bahrenfeld and its surrounding area. Our proposal Quartiere im Volkspark introduces new green corridors leading to all entrances of the Volkspark, enhancing its visibility and connectivity within the city and the broader open space network. These green corridors, each with its own unique character, integrate the city with the Volkspark, extending urban life into the park and expanding the cityscape even beyond Science City.

The campus serves as a vital hub for education in the district. Unlike other universities in Hamburg, the campus in Volkspark neighborhoods is deeply integrated into the city's fabric and serves multiple purposes. It is not isolated but rather an essential and interactive part of the district. The university facilities are strategically located to promote a cohesive and vibrant campus environment. Together with schools and daycares, these university areas form the core of a network of both formal and informal learning spaces that extend into the surrounding neighborhoods. These spaces are connected by inviting open areas, fostering informal learning opportunities. The Volkspark neighborhoods are not only integral to the campus but also integral to the city and Science City Bahrenfeld.

Urban development naturally extends from the surrounding areas, seamlessly integrating neighborhoods into Volkspark through green axes. This approach introduces three distinct neighborhoods: Campus Quarter, centered around the university; Activity Quarter, offering educational and recreational facilities; and Luther Park Quarter, reconnecting the park with its open surroundings. The buildings vary in design ranging from urban blocks with green courtyards to permeable structures that allow space to flow through, as well as green blocks scattered within open areas, catering to a variety of housing requirements. Special buildings like schools and mobility hubs strategically mark key points, harmonizing the urban landscape with the park environment. Consistent architectural principles ensure coherence across the entire district.