First Prize Urban Design Competition Heiligkreuzareal in Mainz
June 30, 2015
Latz + Partner together with Hermann & Valentiny und Partner ZT GmbH, Vienna, win the urban design competition for the Heiligkreuzareal area in Mainz. A district with integrated social housing for all income levels and the potential to develop commercial areas, Heiligkreuzareal is approximately 32 acres of former industrial land of IBM Germany in Mainz-Weisenau district.
Our primary goal was to create a long-term sustainable urban development and spatial planning framework that allows for variance in the architectural expression of individual construction sites and construction phases. The design convinced the jury with a “concise urban structure” which, in turn, develops a strong sense of identity. Commercial and service buildings define a protective boundary for the new living quarters, forming community centers in the two large neighborhood parks. A central green axis serves as backbone and link between neighboring residential areas and infrastructure. Generous pedestrian promenades connect the new quarter internally and the surrounding public spaces. Car traffic is reduced to two ring roads. Residential courtyards are differentiated from public circulation routes, by having protected internal private gardens. Raised front gardens along the promenades create spaces for spontaneous encounters and communication. A chain of solitary buildings is carefully integrated into the existing green space on Bretzenheimer pathway.
