Blau-Grüne Infrastrukturen - Transformationsstudien urbaner Freiräume am Beispiel von Frankfurt

Bachelor thesis by Lotta Steger

[Excerpt]

Abstract

In light of advancing urbanisation and conventional settlement structures that are ill-suited to climate change, sustainable transformation strategies for urban infrastructure must be developed. The consequences of climate change, particularly for urban areas, are putting architects, urban planners and landscape architects under pressure to act, as there is no prospect of the situation improving without proactive measures.

This bachelor’s thesis develops integrative conceptual and practical approaches for sustainable urban development based on blue-green infrastructure. Through a holistic approach, water supply and drainage aspects are linked with climatic and ecological considerations, thereby not only contributing to solving growing challenges such as particulate matter pollution, urban heat islands or flooding, but also improving the quality of life and carbon footprint of cities (Pötz, 2016). By applying this to the spatial context, planning opportunities and limitations are also highlighted.

Using Frankfurt am Main as a case study, key local climate issues are identified and three objectives defined: improving the microclimate, flood prevention and drinking water protection. An analysis of the individual challenges highlights and compares differences in the specific requirements placed on urban open spaces and their design implications. By combining the three objectives, positive and negative correlations, as well as untapped synergistic potential, are highlighted. In an integrated design based on two inner-city open spaces, Heidestraße and Merianplatz, blue-green infrastructure is assessed for its adaptability and spatial effectiveness, and visions are developed for local stakeholders.

By linking existing potential in terms of urban hydrology and vegetation, blue-green infrastructure helps to achieve synergies for the efficient use of limited natural resources. In combination with existing conventional infrastructure, it can contribute to climate resilience and quality of life in urban areas and, in some cases, replace it entirely (Brears, 2018). By examining specific areas and presenting alternative options, the aim is to dispel reservations within the planning community, which, despite ongoing discourse, still persist in many parts of Europe.