The urban context of the Rochdale Barracks is characterized by typological diversity, greening, mixed use, and a self-evident spatial orientation. The barracks area, which has so far been separated from this, is characterized by wide visual references and a generous urban grain. The structural goal of the project is to interweave both aspects. The emerging urban building block should fit naturally into the context with its own identity and high address quality and offer high spatial qualities in all realization phases.
In view of the climatic, social and economic challenges of the 21st century, however, the urban building block should also have an effect beyond itself. The heart of the design, the “Green Belt”, is therefore also to be understood as a superordinate urban impulse into the surrounding neighborhood. All important functions are positioned along the “ribbon”, and the quarter is consistently oriented towards this space, which also serves as a fresh air corridor. In addition, the area is unsealed as much as possible (in the spirit of the “sponge city”), to which the staged mobility concept also contributes. The “Green Belt” is consistently MIV-free (no through traffic). This, combined with a compact building structure, minimizes land consumption without the need for substructures.
Last but not least, the concept is also characterized by the greatest possible preservation of the existing buildings. In addition to the barracks buildings in the south, the hangar, refectory and gymnasium will be retained and used for new, cross-quarter purposes. In addition, the phasing allows for the longest possible retention of other existing buildings for interim uses. Like a dandelion seeking a new habitat in the joints and cracks of existing concrete and asphalt relics, the urban intervention conquers the former barracks site without completely overdrawing its historical traces.
