NHW Award 2026: Students from Kassel Develop Visionary Ideas for the Wesertor

First place, with a prize of 3,000 euros, went to Sophie Schadow, Sophia Dreysse, Thorben Gille, and Jakob Paulsen. Their project, “From Water to Courtyard,” impressed the jury with its coherent overall concept, which integrates urban planning, architecture, open-space design, and climate adaptation. A flexible grid creates a clear structure featuring an urban promenade, green alleys, and sheltered courtyards. The jury highlighted the planned sports corridor as a buffer zone—a particularly effective solution for the challenging location adjacent to the wastewater treatment plant.

In second place (2,500 euros) were Christina Vaupel and Tim Lindemann with “RE:WELLE – LANDschafft STADT,” followed by “flussAUFWÄRTS” (3rd place, 2,000 euros) and “PIXEL” in 4th place (1,500 euros). An honorable mention and 500 euros each went to “Quartier Flora” and “FLIESSEND VERDICHTET.” A total of 122 students tackled the challenge and submitted 20 entries.

The goal: a vibrant, green, and sustainable urban neighborhood

The focus was on the question of how an area characterized by commercial buildings, large parking lots, and heavy soil sealing could be transformed into a sustainable urban neighborhood. The students were tasked with reimagining the Wesertor as a “5-minute city”—a neighborhood of short distances where housing, education, work, amenities, culture, and leisure are closely interconnected.

“The designs for the Wesertor show ways in which a neglected area can be transformed into a well-connected neighborhood with new housing and employment opportunities, attractive open spaces, and a higher quality of life,” emphasized NHW Managing Director Monika Fontaine-Kretschmer.

Prof. Frank Kasprusch from the University of Kassel added: “The competition results are not model solutions, but rather well-reasoned designs that can serve as a basis for continuing the discussion about the future of the Wesertor and similar neighborhoods.”

Background: NHW Award

The NHW Award promotes experimental and forward-looking concepts by students of architecture, landscape architecture, and urban planning at the University of Kassel. It is presented every two years by the Nassauische Heimstätte | Wohnstadt Group and focuses on current issues in housing construction in Hesse.

Exhibition: The exhibition of the submitted works is on view through November 12 in the new ASL building at the University of Kassel (Universitätsplatz 9, 34127 Kassel).

Nassauische Heimstätte | Wohnstadt
Group The Nassauische Heimstätte | Wohnstadt (NHW) Group, headquartered in Frankfurt am Main and Kassel, has been providing comprehensive services in the areas of housing, construction, and development for over 100 years. It employs approximately 900 people. With over 61,000 rental apartments at 112 locations in Hesse, it is one of Germany’s leading housing companies. The Kassel Regional Center manages approximately 17,500 apartments, including about 5,000 in the city of Kassel. Under the NHW brand ProjektStadt, it carries out sustainable urban development projects. It is a founding member of the Wohnen.2050 initiative, which aims to give climate protection in the housing sector greater impact. With hubitation, NHW also operates a startup and idea network focused on innovative housing. www.nhw.de/