E:17 Ingolstadt
Europan Europe 2023
The Europan is an architectural and urban planning ideas competition hosted by 50 European cities. The international competition is organized every two years and involves more than 2000 participating teams. In 2023 the theme was: Living Cities 2 / Reimagining architecture by caring for inhabited milieus. The aim was to explore the regenerative capacities of living milieus amidst new ecologies that attempt to overcome the opposition between nature and culture and anthropocentrism during times marked by natural disasters and climate emergency.
Our team consisted of four members: Carolin Peters, Zhen Zhu, Michael Korn and myself. We choose to work on the task of Ingolstadt – a city in the southwest of Germany known for the automobile industry. Out of 23 participating teams we reached place three. The task: Ingolstadt (DE) – Site.
CONNECT:ING+
The project CONNECT: ING+ aims to establish a profound connection between residents and nature, emphasizing movement and mobility to catalyze interaction. It focuses on creating seamless mobility for pedestrians and cyclists as well as drafting a green vision for future developments. The fusion of mobility, urban development, and green space fosters a strong sense of community, where individuals can rediscover nature whilst living in proximity to the city.
The Europan E17 themes are embodied by strategically implementing selective redensification, creating new housing units, and preserving valuable green spaces. Additionally, the development integrates climate adaptation measures, such as green roofs and water retention areas, throughout the project site, promoting environmental responsibility and the overall ecosystem. The centerpiece THE DOME serves as a dynamic community center.
siteplan 1:1000
sectional view A-A´ S 1:500
concept
At the heart of the development stands THE DOME – a 15-meter-wide wide and 4-meter-high GeoDome structure crafted from wood, glass, and photovoltaic panels. Serving both as a practical light fixture and a communal gathering space.
THE DOME’S lights change color and intensity with daytime and season. Visible from all cardinal directions, it gives the Audi Ring a new, distinctive identity. The lighting system is ingeniously designed to adapt to different occasions and moods. Subtle, warm-toned lights create an inviting atmosphere for intimate gatherings and community events, while cold-toned colors set the stage for quiet evenings and nights. The evolving illumination also serves as a subtle marker of time, reflecting the changing hours of the day by imitating the sun.
Throughout the year, THE DOME can host a variety of indoor and outdoor events, serving as a meeting place, a workspace, an exhibition area or a venue for events (such as: company gatherings, yoga sessions, art exhibitions, flea markets, gardening projects, workshops or after-school activities), making THE DOME a vibrant center for the community.
approaching THE DOME by foot
water management
64% of the project site is preserved or restored as green, unsealed spaces, fostering the percolation of precipitation and nurturing a drought-resistant ecosystem. Strategic water retention areas ensure efficient natural drainage and reducing the risk of flooding during extreme weather events.
urban forest
The inside of the Audi-Ring lies submerged 3 meters below the original surface. Protected by a row of trees, the space forms a serene escape for visitors. Designed with multiple layers, the green space invites users to wander through, relax or climb up the embankment to street level for a different perspective.
health and sports
In total, the concept includes the construction of 4.6 km of bicycle paths, 4.9 km of footpaths, six new sports fields, and two fitness areas. Offering convenient and safe routes for cyclists and pedestrians, as well as promoting outdoor exercising.
bird's-eye-view S 1:750
community
The neighborhoods are designed to nurture community. Houses consist of around 10–15 units, catering to a diverse mix of residents. Including social housing, rentals, and flats for sale, accommodating different living situations of young families, singles, and pensioners. The ground floors are intended for community usage, such as kindergartens, small stores, cafés, and retail.
western neighborhood
courtyards
The buildings are strategically placed to shield residents from surrounding road noise, creating intimate semi-public spaces with playgrounds and green areas for everyone’s enjoyment. The architectural design and height of buildings seamlessly blends with the surrounding typology, ensuring a harmonious integration. To further connect residents with nature, the houses boast rooftop community gardens, balconies, and green facades, visually bridging the Friedrichshofen neighborhood with the surrounding green spaces.
southern neighborhood
