Svenja Hennig

Development Concept for the Rheinpreussen Harbour in Duisburg

Urban development today depends on many factors which are either unknown during the planning process, or undergo profound changes between the planning and construction stage. It is therefore necessary to develop concepts that are flexible and allow for reaction to any changes (e.g. market fluctuations) that might occur.

The idea underlying my structural concept is to focus on the planning of public spaces. Clear specifications are made for outdoor areas: for the green areas, which are connected both visually and through paths, for site development and the determination of main utilisation purposes, as well as for the outer façades of buildings. This leaves a bigger scope for decisions regarding the design of private rooms.

During the planning process, you need to find a structure that gives the area its own, unique identity and yet can be used for various purposes and needs, depending on specific requirements. During the conceptual planning process, characteristics of the respective real estate also have to be taken into consideration.

Due to the isolated position of the planned area, creating open areas is the only way to link this area to the city of Duisburg. An existing green area is being enlarged by a park area – forming a new “green centre” – which integrates numerous leisure facilities.

In order to have a bigger open area, the planned area is divided into separate quarters that convey an impression of islands placed in a landscape. This allows you to have a clear and open view of the Rhine area. Each quarter consists of a green square and several neighbouring construction areas, which together form a clear layout.

Every construction area forms a separate construction section, with a neutral basic structure. All areas can be developed individually as they constitute separate entities. Due to their difference in size and location, there is room for a huge variety of different construction types, such as terraced houses, multi-storey buildings, and maisonettes.

Dimensions of construction areas are based on a modular system. Individual modules can be either used as building land, or as a free area or for site development. On the basis of these modules, the area can be split up into allotments. Through their square form, however, modules leave enough scope for individual decisions.

The structural concept (quarter – construction area – module) has a strong practical connection through clearly defined rules regarding construction possibilities for single construction areas. The location of construction areas – with different open areas and different transport connections – is taken into consideration. At the same time, the concept allows for a maximum of diversity within a fixed structural framework.

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