LMNN teaching format

In the context of the StadtManufaktur’s initial phase, student visions of the future were also developed for a neighbourhood in Neu-Hohenschönhausen (NHSH). The focus was on future-oriented mobility – the design of the “last mile” (LMNN = last mile new neighbourhood), i.e. the path from the front door to public transport stations and local amenities.

The students focused on different topics and used different methodological approaches to develop a picture of the future for the year 2040. The results serve as a stimulus for target discussions on site.

#1 NHSH Cycling Strategy

by Ulrike Damerau, Johann Helmann, Pia Zieren

This vision focuses on the long-term strengthening of bicycle mobility services for local residents: An integral part of this is the introduction of a public mobility (bike) rental system.

The starting point for a sharing system in NHSH differs from conventional market/turnover-oriented offers due to the small scale, the relatively isolated peripheral location of the neighbourhood and its specific socio-demographics and spatial typology. It therefore needs an approach that is holistic, not turnover-oriented and colourful. Accordingly, a sharing system for this place that offers incentives to drive must be thought of in a fundamentally different way than existing offers: usual cost points, spatial and network constellations must be redesigned in the course of this.

In concrete terms, this means

  • a redesign of the street space in favour of cycling,
  • cooperation between urban development actors, and
  • a qualitative further development of public space.

The district should operate the services, generate knowledge and, with a constant evaluation of user data, adapt and improve the services according to need. It is important to develop a flexible concept that is also resilient to unexpected changes.

#2 Neu-Hohenschönhausen Future Quarter

by Kyra Heller, Daniel Steden, Marlen Kroeske

This vision develops mobility centres as hubs and meeting places in the neighbourhood where everyday needs can be met.

  • The existing public transport services are supplemented by mobility centres where, for example, bicycles and e-scooters are made available. This improves the connection to the city centre and workplace and enables (more) social contacts in everyday life.
  • An all-in-one ticket for all private and public mobility services enables flexible transfers from one mode of transport to another (multimodality).
  • In addition, these mobility centres serve for local supply, for example by storing parcels, offering regional products and repairing one’s own bicycles. The residents can use an app to vote on which products and services are offered in the mobility centres; an algorithm is used to adapt the offer to the respective local needs.
  • The modular design of the centres also allows for flexible adaptation to changing demand. As covered meeting spaces and information points in the neighbourhood, refreshments can also be purchased here, wi-fi can be used and information about local issues can be made available and accessed.
  • The reduction of traffic frees up new urban space that residents can use and design as they wish. Residential streets become cycle lanes, main roads are equipped with protected cycle lanes that enable everyone to move around safely. A continuous tactile guidance system, lowered curbs and well-marked street crossings give pedestrians back safety and their city. In this way, the streets become places of togetherness again.

#3 Barrier-free urban design in Neu-Hohenschönhausen

by Johannes Ahrens, Theresa Kalmer, Taegyun Kim

Barrier-free design of urban space is another student vision. With the help of a toolbox game, a discussion about the future development of our living environments is to be facilitated with all relevant actors: The goal is to playfully develop and design a barrier-free city through a mix of uses, improved orientation and suitable street design.

  • Mixed uses contribute to accessibility in cities, as they create an infrastructure in which workplaces, meeting and recreation points as well as places for daily needs are accessible by short distances and without transport.
  • In barrier-free cities, everyone must be able to find their way around easily. This applies to people with disabilities as well as to people without general knowledge of the place or the language. New GPS guidance systems offer the possibility to cover a broad target group by GPS-tracking information and thus transmitting it acoustically and/or visually to digital devices in a precisely fitting way.
  • For people with walking and mobility impairments, a street design without barriers is also relevant. Here, it is particularly important to design zebra crossings and intersections in such a way that crossing is possible without obstacles. In addition, well-distributed seating options must be ensured. New apps can help to map needs from the user’s perspective and thus simplify customised planning and adaptation.

#4 Neighbourhood Hubs in Neu-Hohenschönhausen

by Lara Danyel, Helen Schwochert, Wenyi Sun, Yiwei Fu, Johannes Hanisch

This vision deals with potentials of Neu-Hohenschönhausen, especially with possibilities of reusing existing parking space through different nodes – neighbourhood hubs.

The aim is to design neighbourhoods that are demand-oriented and flexible at the same time, using

  • modular and flexible buildings and thus urban spaces are developed.
  • In these, people can then move around comfortably on foot as well as with the help of various micro-mobility offers (sharing offers).
  • In addition, a small-scale mix of uses and low-threshold digital solutions should ensure efficiency in everyday life.
  • At the same time, sustainable urban development should create spaces that can be adapted to the needs of future generations in a financially and resource-efficient way and that take into account a variety of uses.

#5 On-demand shuttles as transformers of urban space in NHSH

by Mayra Díaz, Annika Frase, Julia Herrmann

This vision deals with the potentials of a mobility turnaround. In addition to the establishment of neighbourhood garages, mobility stations and the expansion of the bicycle infrastructure, on-demand shuttles are to be introduced in NHSH: This should transform the urban space in NHSH, revitalise the neighbourhood, strengthen the community and help integrate a sustainable lifestyle into everyday life. Overall, this reduces traffic and frees up space. This also offers the opportunity to break up the homogeneous spatial structures.

  • The first step is to create acceptance for the project among the citizens, provide information and rededicate some parking spaces.
  • In addition, stops for on-demand shuttles will be set up and the entrances to houses in the pilot area will be equipped with tablets. This way, residents without smartphones will also be able to order a shuttle.
  • After the introduction of the shuttles, additional parking spaces will be converted step by step. This will create open spaces that will become places of exchange and can be used by residents as they wish.
  • In addition, containers will be set up that can be used for different purposes.

Contact:
Prof. Jochen Rabe – Einsteincenter Digital Future, TU Berlin