Lincoln-Siedlung: Climate-friendly mobility in Darmstadt

Following the withdrawal of US troops, the former military Lincoln Estate in Darmstadt is being transformed into a residential area. One of the primary goals of the neighborhood development, which was initiated in 2014 and is still ongoing, is climate-friendly mobility. The new concept aims to make people independent of their own cars and offer convenient alternatives. A city of short distances is also to be created so that everyday journeys can be made quickly. With these goals in mind, the Darmstadt urban planning office commissioned Stete Planung to develop the concept.

Due to the urgent need for living space, Darmstadt-based Stete Planung developed an outline plan for a traffic-calmed housing estate with space for 5,000 people. The Lincoln Estate, located on the southern edge of the city, was used by the US Army until 2008. After the area was temporarily abandoned, the ongoing conversion began in 2014. A flagship project for climate-friendly mobility is slowly developing on the former barracks site in the south of Darmstadt.

In order to strengthen climate-friendly mobility, there is a range of car-sharing stations with electric cars, among other things. To ensure that this is actually used, everyone living in the neighborhood receives a monthly free credit of 64 euros. Just as positive incentives have been created for car sharing, there are also some factors that speak against owning a car in the Lincoln estate. For example, the number of parking spaces for individual cars is reduced compared to conventional parking space keys. In addition, the parking spaces for private motorized transport are located on the edges of the estate – just as far away as the new streetcar stop created in 2017. It is therefore not possible for everyone to park right outside their own front door. As a result, climate-friendly car sharing and the use of public transport or bicycles are more convenient for many people than owning their own car.

The reduction in car parking spaces not only benefits the climate, but also directly improves the quality of life in the neighborhood. After all, the reduction in stationary private vehicles leaves more space for play areas, neighborly communal areas and non-motorized traffic. Accordingly, Sarah Knöll, a resident of the Lincoln estate, describes her cargo bike as her main means of transportation in the ZDF report Drehscheibe. She is also happy that she does not have to worry about the safety of her children because of the traffic-calmed streets. The use of bicycles in the Lincoln estate will not only be increased by reducing the number of car parking spaces. A range of bike-sharing stations with electric cargo bikes also promotes the use of bicycles. There is also a mobility advice service for new residents. This advisory service is particularly helpful for older people who would otherwise find it difficult to set up car and bike sharing apps.

By summer 2023, more than half of the Lincoln Estate will be completed. Around 3,000 people now live in the new neighborhood, which is made up of existing and new buildings. In line with the aim of keeping everyday journeys as short as possible, the next stage will see the construction of a further building site with an integrated local supermarket. As a large number of people already live, walk, cycle and drive in the development, it is worth taking a look at the feedback from residents.

Due to its model character, the planners have an analytical approach and remain in contact with the users via participation processes and surveys. Accordingly, the project is being scientifically monitored in cooperation between the City of Science Darmstadt, Goethe University Frankfurt am Main and the ILS – Institute for Regional and Urban Development Research gGmbH. Quantitative surveys among the residents revealed, for example, that the proportion of shared flats that own two cars fell from a quarter to 17.5 percent after the move to the Lincoln Estate. This means that there is a statistically significant decrease in the use of private cars. The researchers’ analysis also shows that the use of almost all multimodal alternatives is increasing.

Despite all the positive developments and efforts with regard to climate-friendly mobility options, there are also critical voices. For example, around 45% of respondents believe that the number of parking spaces in the Lincoln estate is insufficient. They consider it possible that the number of parking spaces could lead to conflicts between car owners. In the Drehscheibe documentary, one resident also complains about the difficulty of getting from the far parking space to the front door with heavy shopping and children. Another resident is pleased with the ecological approach, but criticizes the details of the design: it is hardly possible to bring a bicycle with a child and bicycle trailer into the bicycle cellar via the elevator.

Overall, the Lincoln Estate in Darmstadt is already doing a lot to move closer to the image of a climate-friendly city: The reduction in space for cars gives non-motorized traffic more space and safety. A new streetcar stop, mobility stations with electric vehicles and a generous range of bicycle parking facilities with charging options offer a variety of alternatives to private cars. The Lincoln Estate is breaking new ground. In order for this to become a model for other climate-friendly mobility projects, it is important to continue to follow these paths together: Together with local people – preferably on cycle paths and footpaths, of course.

Also interesting: In Berlin, students from the TU examined Kranoldplatz – and suggest replacing the parking spaces. Read more here.