Fares Arnold Selo

Vom Stillstand zur Vielfalt - Industrieerbe wird Ort für Alle

The project “Vom Stillstand zur Vielfalt” envisions the transformation of the former Continental site in Aachen, a 16-hectare industrial area with over 90 years of history, into a vibrant, mixed-use urban quarter. The master thesis focuses particularly on the historical existing buildings and the site’s industrial history, tracing its evolution from Englebert to Uniroyal and later Continental. These structures provide both cultural identity and morphological frameworks for the new development.

The design strategy preserves the industrial character of the existing halls while introducing adaptable new structures to form a dense, “post-industrial collage.” Key interventions include the revitalization of Hall 41 as the Production Cluster, combining digital, circular, and human-centered production methods, and the activation of Hall 24 for cultural, educational, and community uses. Historical elements, such as Sheddach roofs, truss systems, and large industrial volumes, are carefully integrated with contemporary inserts to ensure flexibility for future uses. 

Connectivity and public accessibility are central. The Vennbahn Trail and the newly established Kennedy Park link the quarter to the wider region, while open spaces, a Neighborhood Forest, and landscaped courtyards provide social, ecological, and recreational value. Mixed-use building typologies, including Tandem Types and Cardinal Points, foster productive, residential, and cultural synergies while promoting interaction and community engagement.

The masterplan aligns with the city’s 2030 land-use strategy, supporting sustainable mobility, public transport, and local economic activity. By balancing heritage preservation with forward-looking urban development, the project demonstrates how post-industrial sites can become inclusive, resilient, and multifunctional urban quarters. Ultimately, it transforms a former site of industrial stagnation into a dynamic place for work, leisure, and social exchange, offering a blueprint for sustainable urban regeneration.

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