Aschheim urban area

in progress
Consulting 2024
Location: Aschheim
Topic: Urban Transformation
Gross floor area: 73.037 m²

At the heart of the urban planning in Aschheim lies the transformation of an existing inner-town commercial area into a versatile and vibrant urban district. This emerging urban space is characterised by hybrid building typologies that combine a variety of uses. Alongside the existing commercial structures, residential, local retail and educational facilities are being established there, thereby creating a neighbourhood structure that enriches daily life. In addition, public facilities and communal spaces such as the central market square, as well as educational and cultural offerings, promote social interaction and strengthen the neighbourhood’s identity. 

Sustainability is a central theme of the project. The neighbourhood is enhanced through targeted measures to reduce impervious surfaces and the integration of climate-friendly open spaces. Green roofs, photovoltaic systems and central green spaces create ecological benefits and improve the quality of life. The ‘green courtyard’ concept, which connects residential buildings with communal outdoor spaces, is a key component of this strategy.

The planning is based on a vision that was developed in the first stage in collaboration with Aschheim’s local council – a set of various measures assigned to individual key themes and their respective areas of action. Each key theme has specific objectives and measures which, together, form a harmonious and sustainable neighbourhood concept.

Character & Identity

The mix of residential and commercial uses will define the character of the area in future. The combination of compact, hybrid building blocks and generous open spaces will play a central role in shaping the neighbourhood’s identity. The green courtyard draws inspiration from the structure of the residential developments in the immediate vicinity of the site. The density, combined with complementary public amenities, creates a vibrant place where residents of Aschheim from all generations can come together. From local amenities and a public market square to healthcare, education and social services, a lively urban neighbourhood with short distances is emerging. 

Open Space & Interstitial Space

The open space is primarily intended to create high-quality public outdoor space for residents and workers. As a climate-friendly element, it also ensures the neighbourhood is fit for the future. Reducing impervious surfaces is a top priority. Through rainwater retention, shading and evaporative cooling, the neighbourhood will be better prepared for heavy rainfall events. This objective is to be achieved not through individual measures on private plots, but through the creation of a central, communal green space designed to offer greater added value for everyone.

Urban Form

In the new ‘Aschheim Urban Area’, building density is being increased to make efficient use of the land, whilst at the same time more land is being returned to green space. Urban planning is shifting its focus from outward expansion to infill development. The building heights in the peripheral zone of the neighbourhood follow the existing heights of the surrounding area and increase to up to five storeys towards the centre of the neighbourhood. Through this gradation in height, the new neighbourhood blends into the surrounding area whilst simultaneously creating densification in the core zone.

Consulting & Project Development:

Thomas, Katharina (Lead)
Steverding, Maximilian (Project Leader)
Nabizadeh, Mehrnoush
Schäfer, Mateja Sophie