Bachelor: Free Design

WS 21/22: ElbLink

The Spreehafen is a little frequented commercial area between the inner-city port and Wilhelmsburg. The ElbLink design proposes a complete transformation of the shape of the Spreeinsel and the harbor basin.
The location between the rather expensive HafenCity and the iconic Wilhelmsburg defines the concept. The quarter creates the spatial connection between North and South Hamburg that is missing today and acts as a social hinge with living, working and leisure offers for a wide variety of people.
The ElbLink district attracts with its special access to the water. Here people do not only live and work near the water, but also on it and above. Special highlights are the Spreehafen Bridge with its shops and cafés, the "Floating Island" with its characteristic houseboats and the floating outdoor pool, the city beach on the side of the Wilhelmsburg dyke, the towering Spreehaus at the entrance of the Island and the community center around the old market hall.

work by: Katharina Niesing

View of the center at the old market hall

The design includes multiple different floor levels. To guarantee flood protection, bridges span over deeper areas.

Original Photo (PNG: 41.4 MB)

perspective with a lot of stairs around the water

View of the center at the old market hall

The design includes multiple different floor levels. To guarantee flood protection, bridges span over deeper areas.

Original Photo (PNG: 41.4 MB)

Concept

This design creates an attractive and inclusive district according to the guiding principles of “Building bridges – connecting Hamburg” and “City for everyone”, which connects North and South Hamburg like a steppingstone on Hamburg’s “Leap over the Elbe”

Original Photo (PNG: 1.3 MB)

Maps describe the development, use, open space and building structure.

Analysis and Structure

The design is based on a rather unusual accessibility concept. Not the car, but pedestrians, cyclists and traffic on the water come first. Delivery is also via the channels.

Original Photo (PNG: 4.1 MB)

In the harbor basin there are two islands separated by canals. A bridge spans from the inner-city harbor to Wilhelmsburg and touches down on the islands.

Masterplan

The original island is divided by canals and extended into the harbor basin. In the west, a high building welcomes visitors and serves as a counterpart to the Elbphilharmonie. The heart of the district can be found where the Spreebrücke touches down on t

Original Photo (PNG: 45 MB)

Typologies

Five typologies enable different forms of living and working.

Original Photo (PNG: 2.1 MB)

Spreebridge

The Spreebrücke creates an attractive connection between the Wilhelmsburg dike and the Steinwerder port. The area in the middle of the living bridge serves a multifunctional use. Here you can find restaurants, retail shops, located in containers.

Original Photo (PNG: 2.7 MB)

Perspective of the whole design

Vision of an urban and lively new quarter in the port.

Original Photo (PNG: 7.2 MB)

Rainy view of the Spree Bridge and the surrounding buildings.

View under the overhang of the Community hub

Atmospheric impression in typical Hamburg weather.

Original Photo (PNG: 50.2 MB)

WS 21/22 - Free project: Hanse 22, A 22nd century ready city

The design addresses the question of a city of the future. In a area between Hamburg's north, industrial harbour and Wilhelmsburg, a prototypical urban design extends over the extended Spree Island, ready for the exploration and implementation of a circular society. This, based on the need for a different way of dealing with our physical resources, describes a very sustainable and circular use of resources, not only in industry but also in other areas of life, such as transport or the built environment.

It becomes clear in various area of specialisation. On the one hand, the port is reintegrated into the city and becomes the backbone of the more logistics-intensive circular economy through strong and intelligent underground logistics. In addition, through different ownership and a modular, flexible design, space is created in a sustainable and long-lasting way and decoupled from speculation. Further, various different spaces are created in the design, ranging from private to public, in order to provide the neighbourhood with more quality of stay and community. Finally, not only will the construction of the neighbourhood be used to research the circular society, but the reallaboratory will also be constantly expanded and researched through educational and start-up facilities.

Work by: Sebastian Beisel