Adapting Settlements to Climate Change: Transforming Former Industrial Areas Along Rivers in Germany into Resilient Mixed-Use Real Estate
Date Issued
2024
Author(s)
Abstract
Climate change poses numerous threats in urban areas, such as heatwaves, reduced air quality, ecosystem
disturbance, etc. For city areas located along rivers there is an increased risk of more frequent and intense
flooding. Various riverside industrial zones in German cities were redeveloped into mixed-use areas in
the post-industrial era. Therefore, this paper investigates the challenges faced by these new settlements,
such as flood management, ecosystem protection, water pollution reduction, provision of public spaces,
enhancement of urban aesthetics, and their connection to the real estate market on the local level. For
research purposes, three projects from the German context are elaborated: Hamburg (HafenCity project),
Heilbronn (Neckarbogen project), and Basel-Huningue-Weil am Rhein (3Land project). This qualitative
research applies a case study approach to analyze historical documents, scientific literature, planning
documents, and urban and architectural projects, thus identifying correlations among historical, spatial,
social, and economic factors that influenced these redevelopments. To collect context-specific data, case
study visits were conducted. Findings indicate that flood and social resilience are issues addressed in
riverbank settlements through multifunctional public space design. Equal efforts are made in
architectural innovation in the design of the buildings, which is highly important when adapting
settlements to climate change effectively. A significant contribution is the improvement of connection of
the redeveloped areas to the broader urban fabric of the respective cities. Furthermore, the newly
redeveloped areas play an important role in improving the city's overall image while successfully
integrating elements of its industrial heritage. Finally, this research develops valuable recommendations
for policymakers, urban planners, and stakeholders involved in the development of real estate in riverside
areas.
disturbance, etc. For city areas located along rivers there is an increased risk of more frequent and intense
flooding. Various riverside industrial zones in German cities were redeveloped into mixed-use areas in
the post-industrial era. Therefore, this paper investigates the challenges faced by these new settlements,
such as flood management, ecosystem protection, water pollution reduction, provision of public spaces,
enhancement of urban aesthetics, and their connection to the real estate market on the local level. For
research purposes, three projects from the German context are elaborated: Hamburg (HafenCity project),
Heilbronn (Neckarbogen project), and Basel-Huningue-Weil am Rhein (3Land project). This qualitative
research applies a case study approach to analyze historical documents, scientific literature, planning
documents, and urban and architectural projects, thus identifying correlations among historical, spatial,
social, and economic factors that influenced these redevelopments. To collect context-specific data, case
study visits were conducted. Findings indicate that flood and social resilience are issues addressed in
riverbank settlements through multifunctional public space design. Equal efforts are made in
architectural innovation in the design of the buildings, which is highly important when adapting
settlements to climate change effectively. A significant contribution is the improvement of connection of
the redeveloped areas to the broader urban fabric of the respective cities. Furthermore, the newly
redeveloped areas play an important role in improving the city's overall image while successfully
integrating elements of its industrial heritage. Finally, this research develops valuable recommendations
for policymakers, urban planners, and stakeholders involved in the development of real estate in riverside
areas.
Subjects
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