The city of Magdeburg in Germany is developing a new Science Quarter in order to promote itself as a research, education, and business hub. This development project is currently one of the most important urban planning focus areas in Magdeburg. The aim is to bring existing science and research facilities together in order to develop a neighbourhood with room for expansion. This new neighbourhood will be anchored at the historic trading harbour, in direct association with the river landscape of the Elbe and close to the city centre. It will be attractively and vibrantly occupied with residential, recreational, and cultural uses as a base for innovation and knowledge transfer. As the winners of the international urban design and open space planning competition for the science quarter in 2010, SMAQ prepared the master plan with HL landscape architects. The planning phase for the 48-hectare site is now completed.
The master plan provides the basis for the development of the science quarter in the area surrounding the historic trading harbour of Magdeburg-Neustadt. It builds an interconnection between the Otto-von-Guericke University and the research institutes at Askanischer Platz by proposing a strong common entry into the neighbourhood. In addition to the consolidation and redevelopment of the site for scientific and commercial uses, housing, recreational spaces, cultural uses, and utility facilities are foreseen. These additional resources will provide space for about 4,000 people to work and 600 people to live within the planned science quarter.
This conversion project is distinct in its proposed integration of a science district into the fragmented urban structure through spatial and urban means – despite the infrastructural barrier of the 5 lane Sandtorstraße, which was built post-reunification. The new science district will formulate interfaces with Alte Neustadt as well as with the cultural and recreational area at the northern end of the harbour. This will not only bring the city to the Elbe River, but will also situate the cultural landmark of the historic trading harbour as part of the lived urban space of the city.
The masterplan for the science quarter makes a significant contribution to sustainable urban development. Inner city land reserves will be developed with a higher building density and connected to nearby recreation areas along the river bank. The science district will promote the “alternative mobility” of pedestrians and bicyclists. Ecological strategies are integrated into the design through the use of local and sturdy ruderal vegetation in the open spaces. Water management will be improved through the integration of proper surfaces and drainage into the landscape.
Team: SMAQ with HL Landschaftsarchitekten
Project:
Science Port Magdeburg Germany
For more information please visit:
baunetz.de (January 26, 2010)
baunetz.de (October 13, 2011)