EUKN - European Urban Knowledge Network - Soziale Stadt Project

Soziale Stadt Project - Münster, Germany

Introduction

How do you create a place where people of all ages and social classes can live and work together in harmony - conversion of barracks into a new residential area in Münster, Germany.

Description

Soziale Stadt is a project set up by the federal government in 1999 to improve the social climate in Germany's major towns and cities. The project is a collaboration between the federal government, the 'Länder', local authorities and citizens. In conjunction with housing corporations and social organisations, the city of Münster is converting a former barracks into a multifunctional social housing complex.

Approach

On the edge of Münster there is a former barracks which has been empty for some time. Its location as a residential site is good: close to the green of the countryside and yet with good connections to the city centre.
In 1995 the city authorities called a meeting with local housing corporations and it was decided that a cooperative urban design competition should be held to convert the barracks into residential accommodation.
Proposals were submitted by five design teams, following which workshops were held at which residents could put forward their own ideas to the design teams. Ultimately the city and its citizens together selected the winning proposal.
Various civic bodies joined forces and established an association called Dach überm Kopf ('Roof over your head'), which campaigned to ensure that half the homes on the barracks site would be suitable for residents needing help: senior citizens, the long-term unemployed, unskilled young adults with problems, and lone parents.
Unskilled young people receive special advice and assistance. Together with a social pedagogue they draw up individually tailored plans for the future.
The building site itself is organised on the basis of a sheltered workshop. Unemployed young people without qualifications work alongside the long-term unemployed on the construction of their own future homes, at the same time gaining experience and in some cases a contract of employment in the construction industry.

Results

Between July 1998 and December 2000 170 dwellings were completed on the barracks site. Half of the homes being built are destined for sale, while the rest will be let, some of them as social housing. There are twelve units designed for the elderly and eight specially for young people who would be unable to find accommodation on the regular rental market.
Because everyone living in the district is new to it, structures have been put in place to promote acquaintance and community spirit, including information meetings, visits to homes and a neighbourhood party.
The winning design is both architecturally avant-garde and socially attractive. Multistorey car parks have been built on the edge of the district and cars are not allowed to enter the residential area. Meeting-places have been created at various spots in the district. With the social mix and intensive mechanisms for creating mutual acquaintance it is possible for people to rely upon each other's responsibility.

Contact info

Wohnungsunternethmen der Stadt Münster
Phone: +49 251700801
info@wohnstadtbau.de

Project start date

14/04/2004

Document type

case

Themes

Urban Policy

Keywords

Social inclusion & integration