How can a socially compatible, environment-friendly and economically viable design of large housing estates be integrated into the sustainable development of towns and cities?

Leipzig-Grünau is a prototype of a very large and recently built housing estate in a densely populated conurbation. The estate was built between 1976 and 1988 on the western fringes of Leipzig. Grünau is situated between an open landscape with a large recreation area to the west and large old industrial sites and turn-of-the-century urban quarters to the east. The district is linked to local and supra-regional transport networks by a rapid transit railway, several tramways, bus routes and main thoroughfares.

The overriding goal of the Leipzig-Grünau Simulation Model is to formulate guidelines, strategic concepts and implementation procedures for the development of large housing estates into sustainable urban areas. This project is committed to the social, ecological, economic and participation-related goals of the Habitat Agenda for sustainable settlement development.

One central concern of the simulation model was to combine local competence with expert knowledge and ideas from outsiders. Leipzig-Grünau Forum serves as a platform for brainstorming, learning together and forming a consensus between different players active in neighbourhood development. In the Forum the contributions gained from the local and external process modules have been discussed, suggestions put forward and their impacts on the neighbourhood contemplated.

The following Grünau Perspectives constitute the framework of principles and goals for the future development of the district: 

German Federal Office for Building and Regional Planning
Mr. B. Breuer, tel. +49 1888 4012268

01/01/1997

case

Urban Policy > Housing

Housing policy