Lena Gronau & Raffaela Reinecke

Between the line - Further development of linear building structures of the 1950's to 1970's

Linear building structures, i.e. diagonally arranged rows of housing blocks have characterized the suburbs of German cities since the end of the second world war until today. These estates were not only a pragmatic solution to the housing shortage of the postwar period, they also represent a social attitude that embodied the desire for healthy living conditions for all. Today, these estates, which are often in need of redevelopment, are under heavy criticism for their monotonous housing layouts and underutilized open spaces. In times of increasing land consumption and urbanization, housing estates are facing, especially in growing cities, a transformation in terms of urban planning and architecture, as they are areas with a high potential for redensification. The presented master thesis aims to contribute to the transformation of these estates by proposing, in a theoretical part, a generally applicable toolbox for the further development of the building stock. In a practical part, the tools are applied to an exemplary estate in the area of North Rhine-Westphalia.

This toolbox provides measurements that are intended to strengthen diversity, cohesion and the quality of life on site in equal measure. It includes architectural and spatial solutions as well as organizational measures in the areas of mobility, open space design and neighborhood development. For a better understanding, the 35 tools contained in the toolbox are assigned to seven thematic areas: urban development, use of open space, redensification, design upgrading, structural change, future-oriented mobility and energy-efficient construction, which correspond to the problem areas of the existing building stock as well as future-oriented topics of the construction industry and urban development.

The purpose of these tools is to aid for architects, urban planners and housing companies. They provide suggestions for improving the quality of living and promote an appropriate approach to the existing building stock.
The tools are illustrated in a redesign concept of an estate in Moers Meerfeld in North Rhine-Westphalia.

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