Fiddlehead

HAMBURG, GERMANY, 1994

Site planning and Housing Development for a Former Commune

A plan for enlargement of the Friederichshof community would make this rather ragged collection of buildings into a denser village for a group of people who have elected to pursue their own goals in circumstances of affinity and cooperation. The plan provides resources to enable those, who choose to do so, to lead full lives within its borders - living, working, relaxing - and those, who prefer to work in the city or to come for holidays and weekends, to feel fully integrated into the life of the place. A new circulation spine runs along a little canal across a at portion of the site. Buildings along the canal - a mix of houses and lofts - would open to the waterwork in a series of courtyards establishing a more localized sense of community. A large new lake would expand recreational possibilities and provide an imageable geographical center for Friederichshof. Excavated material from this lake and from other construction will be used to extend the “Friederichshof Alps” as an enhanced place of recreation - including ski, horseback, bike, and jogging trails - and as a winter wind barrier.

Credits: Michael Sorkin