“South of Auf’m Hennekamp”: redesign decided

The approximately 1.2 hectare site in Düsseldorf-Bilk has been lying fallow for over ten years. Today, all that remains of the former electroplating plant are parts of the old hall structures. Yet the site would be an important urban building block. Accordingly, a restricted urban planning competition was held for a subsequent use. You can find out more about the winning design “Südlich Auf’m Hennekamp” here.

The owner of the area, VSF Grundstücks AG, launched an urban planning competition for “Südlich Auf’m Hennekamp” in coordination with the state capital of Düsseldorf. The decision was made in favor of the entry submitted by the planning team Franken Generalplaner GmbH, Frankfurt am Main, together with bb22 architekten + stadtplaner maheras, nowak, schulz, wilhelm PartGmbB, Frankfurt am Main. Lorber Paul Architekten GmbH, Cologne, together with Sehw Architektur GmbH, Duisburg, and bjp I bläser jansen partner, Dortmund, also shared third prize.

An attractive contribution to the neighborhood is now to be created on the former industrial site. The new plans will be carefully integrated into the neighborhood structures. Cornelia Zuschke, the City of Düsseldorf’s Councillor for Planning, Building, Housing and Property, commented as follows: “The area has special urban development significance for Bilk due to its location qualities. It offers the opportunity to close an inner-city gap and create new, urgently needed living space.” Furthermore, the awarding authority ascribes a mix of uses to “Südlich Auf’m Hennekamp”. This consists of different forms of housing, commercial uses and social infrastructure. Of course, high-quality open and green spaces must not be neglected either.

“Südlich Auf’m Hennekamp” strengthens the established urban structure by continuing the perimeter block development. This commercially used block development also protects the residential locations in the inner area from noise. A spur road with turning facilities provides access to the interior of the site and also makes it car-free. A pedestrian and cycle path links the site in a north-south direction and with the surrounding area. Open spaces, such as a café or a multi-generational square, are lined up along this path in front of the buildings.
The site will be unsealed and landscaped at the edges. The buildings are also staggered towards the south. This ensures sufficient lighting for the open spaces at ground level and more usable outdoor areas on the roofs. The buildings thus offer more space for façade and roof greening. Back on the ground, there is a public pocket park with a playground to the east. Private green spaces are also allocated to the new daycare center, senior housing and other forms of housing. Tenant gardens and communal open spaces are provided for the residential buildings.
Cornelia Zuschke is looking forward to the planning of “Südlich Auf’m Hennekamp”: “A green inner world with generous open spaces, a striking high point and two other striking buildings can then be created there. This will achieve a balance between an appropriate density and attractive green spaces for the future residents and the entire neighborhood”.

In November last year, citizens contributed suggestions for the “Südlich Auf’m Hennekamp” urban planning competition at a workshop. These were then included in the terms of reference for the process. Citizens are now invited to discuss the six competition results and contribute their ideas once again. The winning design will also serve as the basis for a development plan procedure. According to Zeki Anter, representative of the awarding authority, this will be launched shortly.

The Theodor Heuss Bridge in Düsseldorf is also to be redesigned. Read all about it here.