REFINA

Development of analytical and methodological repertoires to reintegrate brownfield sites into functional urban areas modelled on examples in Germany and the USA

Structure of the Design Charrette as developed by the resear ch team
(Copyright: Rebekka Gessler)

Public jury presentation, Westerholt (Germany), Oktober 2007
(Copyright: Hertener Allgemeine Zeitung)

more pictures

As a result of structural and economic upheavals, colossal industrial plants with predominantly monofunctional character which have shaped cities and landscapes, have become or are becoming obsolete. Through the ensuing, mostly negative, economic, ecological, social and cultural consequences such planning objects become an issue of social responsibility.
In order to preserve the social cohesion of the affected areas, as well as to identify and implement meaningful development options, it is important to perform an intensive examination of the site and the structures located on it at the earliest possible juncture.
The research project itself investigates, elaborates and extends the existing analytical and methodological repertoire for the conversion and redevelopment of disused industrial sites in the urban context. The elaboration of a qualified and concerted design is at the heart of the project. The crucial question is how to exert a positive influence on this process.
In accordance with this objective, the divided, moderated charrette is being developed as a compressed planning procedure to be implemented at two model locations in Germany and the USA. The result is a novel method of solving complex planning tasks, such as the revitalisation of abandoned industrial sites, in a participatory process.
The research project 'Development of analytical and methodological repertoires to reintegrate brownfield sites into functional urban areas modelled on examples in Germany and the USA' was carried out under the auspices of the program ‘Research for Sustainability‘ sponsored by the (German) Federal Department of Education and Research (BMBF). It constituted part of the priority-funded program 'Research for the reduction of land consumption and for sustainable land management (REFINA)' and of the 'Brownscape Design - Innovative Configuration of Living Environments' initiative within the framework of collaboration between the BMBF and U.S. EPA.

All pictures

• Website of the project
  www.wzw.tum.de/fai/
• Regional approaches and tools for sustainable revitalization. Documentation of a workshop of the U.S.-German bilateral working group, May 8 and 9, 2008 - New York, New York. Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung, Berlin (Förd.); United States Environmental Protection Agency -USEPA-, Cincinatti (Mitarb.); Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Berlin (Hrsg.); Hauschild, Maike (Hrsg.); Berlin (2008); 46 S.
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Project Management

Mr Prof. em. Peter Latz
Technische Universität München
Fakultät für Architektur, Lehrstuhl für Landschaftsarchitektur und Planung
Emil-Ramman-Strasse 6
85350 Freising-Weihenstephan

Mrs Rebekka Gessler

Practice Partners

Projektleiter
Mr Bernd Lohse
RAG Montan Immobilien

Stadtbaurat
Mr Volker Linder
Stadt Herten

Referatsleiter
Mr Clemens Arens
Stadt Gelsenkirchen
Referat Stadtplanung (61)

Stellv. Abteilungsleiter
Mr Thomas Robbin
Stadt Gelsenkirchen
Referat Stadtplanung Abteilung 61/2

Mr Douglas C. MacCourt
Partner Ater Wynne LLP