campUAS

Critical zones: Redrawing East End

Urban spaces are a constantly changing fabric of various visible and invisible systems, in interaction with a multitude of actors. The notion Critical Zone describes the surface of the earth only a few kilometers thin. Scientists have made us aware of the complex composition and extreme fragility of this thin layer inside which all life forms, humans included, have to cohabit. According to Bruno Latour the term Critical Zones invites us to explore new modes of coexistence between all forms of life.

Frankfurt's East End around Hanauer Landstraße between Ostpark and Osthafen is used as an example for this course. The conversion of industrial wastelands has reorganised cities worldwide and created new districts. But, production sites have disappeared and gentrified neighbourhoods have replaced the diverse production sites. In contrast, the aim of the course is to develop strategies and interventions for a diverse and sustainable neighbourhood.  How can the New East End be transformed step by step, with the knowledge of existing small-scale initiatives and large-scale cycles? What strategies and specific interventions are needed for an ecologically sensitive urban landscape?