From freight depot to urban mixed use: the new Düsseldorf city quarters show how sites with challenging framework conditions can be successfully transformed into high-value urban spaces.
CLIENT
aurelis Real Estate GmbH & Co. KG
PLANNING PHASE
2001-2016
SIZE
35 hectares / 310.000 sqm GFA
COLLABORATION
Lützow 7 Landscape Architects, Berlin (DE)
SERVIES DELIVERED
Masterplan and detailed studies, architectural planning of a day care centre and housing
COMPLETION
2025
AWARDS
DGNB certification for sustainable urban districts: „Gold Development“ certificate
PHOTOCREDITS
ASTOC
The former freight station site of the Neue Düsseldorfer Stadtquartiere is located close to the city centre in the Derendorf district. After a workshop process in 2000, the project has developed in an extraordinarily targeted and continuous manner. The narrow site is divided into several construction sites by alternating bands of development. This creates space for different public open spaces, the so-called „city gardens“.
The building structure is oriented towards the neighbouring Wilhelminian quarters, is divided into different densities including a high-rise silhouette in the southern area. The multifunctional concept of uses offers excellent conditions for an urban and lively city quarter.
In order to meet noise protection requirements, the access road was moved to the outside near the railway line. To provide ample green spaces and providing space for social infrastructure half of the area remains undeveloped.
An important part of the concept was the interim use for some existing railway sheds on the site, which - dubbed „Les Halles“ - served as a catalyst for development. Low rents made functions possible that anchored the area in the public consciousness and had a positive effect for the location.
Of a total of twelve projects that took part in a pilot phase for DGNB certification for sustainable urban districts, Le Quartier Central in Düsseldorf, planned by ASTOC, was awarded the „Gold Development“ certificate.