CONVERSION OF OSNABRÜCKS FORMER CARGO RAILYARD
LOK-VIERTEL OSNABRÜCK
LokViertel’s proximity to Osnabrück Hauptbahnhof makes it potentially one of the most important gateways to the city. Due to its past use, the transformation area has traditionally been an isolated area. Numerous visible and invisible boundaries, from train tracks, roads, water bodies, and earth layers made the area appear as a foreign area within the urban fabric. Our priority was to break down these boundaries and integrate the area into the urban fabric, while preserving the identity of the site.
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Zooming out the green ecological frameworks of Osnabrück are strongly visible. Together with the Hase river, they form the basis of the green loop. The river functions not only as the main connecting element of the two worlds: the historic city centre of Osnabrück and the new LokViertel district, but as well as a scenic route through Osnabrück, crossing numerous sights.
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The architectural heritage of LokViertel, the so-called hidden gems, act as anchor points for the new quarter’s identity. Combined with newly built structures, the story and history of the place unfolds. The period of industrialization and the extensive use of the area is used as a starting point of a new narrative in dealing with resources and nature. The old freight station will be transformed into the green heart of the new district - the central park. Part of the station’s platforms and warehouses are being preserved and will be reused for the central market, an event hall and a greenhouse, to stimulate local urban food produce.
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The basis of our robust framework is defined by the linear character of the distant views framed by train tracks. This simple but clear grid provides flexibility for the unknown future and leaves room for innovative programs and typological diversity. The new LokViertel neighbourhood will show resourcefulness at every turn. From e-mobility, through solar panels, to rainwater retention. Ultimately, this abandoned site will become a vibrant and diverse new neighbourhood where innovation and sustainability are promoted in all aspects.
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+ LOK-Viertel
Zooming out the green ecological frameworks of Osnabrück are strongly visible. Together with the Hase river, they form the basis of the green loop. The river functions not only as the main connecting element of the two worlds: the historic city centre of Osnabrück and the new LokViertel district, but as well as a scenic route through Osnabrück, crossing numerous sights.
The architectural heritage of LokViertel, the so-called hidden gems, act as anchor points for the new quarter’s identity. Combined with newly built structures, the story and history of the place unfolds. The period of industrialization and the extensive use of the area is used as a starting point of a new narrative in dealing with resources and nature. The old freight station will be transformed into the green heart of the new district - the central park. Part of the station’s platforms and warehouses are being preserved and will be reused for the central market, an event hall and a greenhouse, to stimulate local urban food produce.
The basis of our robust framework is defined by the linear character of the distant views framed by train tracks. This simple but clear grid provides flexibility for the unknown future and leaves room for innovative programs and typological diversity. The new LokViertel neighbourhood will show resourcefulness at every turn. From e-mobility, through solar panels, to rainwater retention. Ultimately, this abandoned site will become a vibrant and diverse new neighbourhood where innovation and sustainability are promoted in all aspects.
Place Osnabrück, Niedersachsen DE
Date 2022-2024
Type Framework Plan, Funktional Plan, Design Guidelines
Client LOKViertel-OS-Gmbh
Team/credits Karres en Brands
Date 2022-2024
Type Framework Plan, Funktional Plan, Design Guidelines
Client LOKViertel-OS-Gmbh
Team/credits Karres en Brands