Urban Q/text EN - ahrens & grabenhorst architekten stadtplaner Part GmbB

Urban Q – Urban Development & Architecture

Urban Design & Open Space
The Urban Q ensemble marks a confident gateway to the new district while blending harmoniously into its surroundings. The powerful, precisely placed building volumes define a clear structure, organizing the urban space and creating a smooth transition to neighboring areas. The height development responds to the existing context, resulting in well-proportioned public spaces. Existing trees are carefully preserved and integrated into the design. The silhouette of the buildings gives the ensemble a distinct identity, emphasizing its special role in the cityscape. The open spaces on street level offer a diverse sequence of outdoor qualities:

To the west, an urban open space connects visually with the historic St. Nikolai cemetery.
A slightly elevated courtyard acts as a green filter.
To the east, a generous, quiet public plaza provides a communal meeting point and forms the social heart of the development.

Access points and outdoor spaces interact directly. Entrances are clearly visible, and each open space offers unique character and use possibilities.

Architecture & Design
The architecture is calm yet confident, giving the ensemble a strong but understated urban presence. Clear, minimal forms support easy orientation and help define address points on all sides, highlighted by distinct entrances.

Building orientations ensure optimal sunlight exposure. Light-colored, reflective materials enhance daylight usage, including in lower floors and the inner courtyard. Facades combine durable, natural materials like ceramic elements in varied textures and triple-glazed transparent sections. Ventilated opaque surfaces provide thermal protection and house integrated, color-coordinated photovoltaic (PV) panels.

The contrast between transparent and opaque sections results in a contemporary, city-compatible aesthetic. External sun shading systems adapt to the sun's position and are user-controlled.

Ground floors are designed for accessibility and openness. Functions such as delivery zones are discreetly integrated into the structure without compromising quality of stay. The design emphasizes material clarity and modular construction. Roofs are extensively greened and fitted with PV systems, contributing to microclimate and rainwater retention.

Landscape Design
Open space design prioritizes permeability and openness. Outdoor areas connect fluidly with the buildings and offer added value for both residents and neighbors.

A high-quality, uniform surface material ensures clear circulation in public walkways. Along Brüderstraße, a generous expansion creates a boulevard-like atmosphere with space for outdoor dining and leisurely strolls. This strong urban gesture bridges the gap across Celler Straße and links to the St. Nicolai cemetery and surrounding quarters.

In the main entrance area and along the western edge, radial seating and planting islands form attractive meeting points beneath preserved mature trees. On the eastern side, two park-like plazas with light canopies offer shaded, comfortable spaces during summer. Decentralized bike and cargo bike parking supports climate-friendly mobility.

The material and planting concept follows sustainable principles:

Permeable surfaces
Greened parking and rooftops
Light-colored materials to prevent overheating
Tree species adapted to the urban climate (e.g., Alnus x spaethii, Gleditsia triacanthos, Liquidambar styraciflua)
Diverse, insect-friendly flora in planting areas

Overall, the outdoor design contributes to a climate-adapted urban space with a unique identity and atmospheric diversity.

Function & Use
The building features a compact layout with few circulation cores, allowing for highly flexible floor plans. This supports long-term adaptability and economic use. A clearly structured logistics concept ensures smooth operations with discreet delivery zones. Efficient floor plans allow for multiple usage scenarios and maximize usable space.

Sustainability & Ecology
The energy concept takes full advantage of solar orientation by positioning PV modules within opaque façade elements. The façade geometry is optimized to maximize sunlight on all sides. Sustainable construction is supported by:

High use of recycled and recyclable materials
Avoidance of composite materials
Use of CO₂-reduced concrete and recycled insulation glass

This enables circular construction and ecological longevity.

Construction & Feasibility
The structural system is based on a reinforced concrete skeleton, optionally in a timber-hybrid version. This allows for material efficiency and slender elements. Few, strategically placed columns ensure open and flexible interiors. Modular façade components and resource-efficient methods support feasibility. The project can be implemented in phases, offering flexibility in construction.

Economic Efficiency
The compact building form minimizes circulation space, increasing the ratio of usable area. This reduces resource consumption per square meter and supports long-term economic and ecological sustainability.