Archive NHW Award
Brückenschlag Bettenhausen. Stadtteile verknüpfen - Experiment_Stadt von Morgen wagen! Verdichtet, sozial, produktiv, energieerzeugend, CO2-negativ, grün.
Bridging Bettenhausen. Connecting districts - experimenting with the city of tomorrow! Densified, social, productive, energy-generating, CO2-negative, green.
The NHW Award 2024 was presented by the Faculty of Architecture, Urban Planning and Landscape Planning of the University of Kassel together with the Nassauische Heimstätte | Wohnstadt group of companies and organized by the Department ofDesign and Sustainable Construction.
The theme of the competition was the bridging of the Bettenhausen and Unterneustadt districts to the center of Kassel.
The competition area is located in the south-eastern part of Kassel around the Platz der deutschen Einheit. The possible scope ranges from individual architectural, landscape and urban planning tasks to designs at district level.
Above all, the focus is on developing innovative, future-relevant themes for the coexistence of tomorrow.
Award-Winning Projects 2024
Project by Elina Klett and Tom Stehmann
The design is based on the further development of the floodplain as a large, contiguous green space. Through the removal of impervious surfaces and renaturation, an attractive habitat is created that serves as a cooling recreational area within the city.
- In addition to the wind corridors, numerous passageways and openings—such as open stairwells—ensure good air circulation.
- Strategic diversions of the Wahlebach stream enhance its cooling effect as a wetland habitat.
- Traffic flows are concentrated in mobility and logistics hubs, enabling a largely car-free environment.
At the heart of the design is the Klimahof, a communal gathering place featuring public facilities, shared apartments, coworking spaces, and areas for sports and music.
The floodplain is transformed into a versatile open space for the residents of Bettenhausen and Unterneustadt. The neighborhood is thus both climate-resilient and attractive as a place to live, work, and spend time.
Project by Celina Ebbert and Paul Fleckenstein
The New East Kassel (OSTKAS) project combines vegetation and green spaces with water sensitivity and the urban fabric. The goal is a neighborhood built to ecological standards that brings together nature, sustainability, and urban community.
Transportation hubs and traffic-calmed streets, along with a bicycle hub and bike expressways, enable a car-free neighborhood with good connectivity. Instead of impervious (traffic) surfaces, a green corridor ensures a constant supply of fresh air.
Increased vegetation and the widening of the Wahlebach stream improve water management. New riprap and sloping banks expand the habitat for animals. Wetland biotopes and wet meadows allow water to flood meadow areas during rain.
The research station, the neighborhood square, the “Ostkas Treff” building, as well as the café, reading room, and winter garden serve as gathering places. They offer residents a wide range of opportunities for recreation, exercise, culture, and social interaction.
Project by Alissa Kohlstädt, Johanna Sauerwein, Laura Hilverkus, and Tom Niemeier
Based on the concept of mycelium growth, the city’s structure develops organically and efficiently: The resulting paths and connections make optimal use of the space and adapt to technological progress, demographic changes, or ecological challenges.
Biodiversity is promoted by the removal of impervious surfaces in the floodplain and is safeguarded through the preservation and expansion of the existing biotope along the Wahlebach.
A steel truss forms the main supporting structure, into which self-supporting wooden mezzanines can be integrated. This creates spaces with varying heights that can be used as living quarters, offices, coworking spaces, workshops, or sports facilities. The ground floors are intended for commercial, cultural, or cafeteria use. The green flat roof with a photovoltaic system supplies energy to the neighborhood.