STUDENT‘S HOUSING CAMPUS - Mixed generation housing, retail and kindergarten, Munster (GER)

(invited design competition, 2009)

GFA: approx. 21.000 m2

The site is located in Münster, next to a local lake, called Aasee. The urban environment consists mainly of small houses in the East and bigger structures in the West. The urban focus of the design therefore lies in the intermediation between the different structures.

Owed to the inclined shape of the site, the arrangement of all houses is chosen to give as many views as possible to lake Aasee and at the same time let as much sun as possible into the site.

The design itself - at a bigger scale - puts great amphasis on creating many different public an private spaces on different levels. Gardens and Parks on the ground level, roof gardens on 2nd and top level offer places for communication and distraction. A big circular plaza guided by public functions defines the public centre of the ensemble. Sports facilities, and learning / study rooms are arranged around this forum.

Guided by the adjacent houses people are lead to the eastern part of this public corridor, at which a Supermarket and a Kindergarten are being located.

Cars are only allowed in specified areas. 1/3 over ground and 2/3 under ground at a centralized garage. Space for about 550 bicicles pays respect to the tradition of cycling in Münster.