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Frankfurt: A Dialectic City

Part 2 Project 2003
Philippa Grantham
 University of Liverpool | UK
With the dissolution of a traditional centre, the city as a uniform element is unfeasible, becoming a series of complementary places whilst altering in function over time without necessarily changing in form.
In establishing a new district for Frankfurt we developed a series of complementary places, structured within an overlaid matrix. A systematic approach to analysing the site through layer, section and the more detailed approach to the complementary places allowed the study to evolve at different scales. The rules established to manipulate the streetscape articulated the hierarchies and ‘edges’ of the site furthering our perception of the dialectic city.



This ambitious project proposes a Master Plan for a brown field site bordering the Trade Fair complex to the west of Frankfurt’s centre. Studies of Ungers’ Dialectic City, Rossi’s Architecture of the City, an investigation into the relationship between matrix and monument and the idea of a none zoned but type based city served as starting points. The city is seen as a series of layers and complementary places combined with a grid as ordering device. A diagonal boulevard and three public spaces - urban park, interchange square and trade fair square – complement the perimeter blocks forming the matrix.

2003
Initial investigation including studies of the district make up of the city, the structure of the open spaces, the built up spaces and public spaces, and particular images of key existing urban artefacts identifying the image and reality of the city.
Analysis of the surrounding city condition, focusing on movement along the principle arteries and the role of key urban artefacts. This also involved generating an understanding of the site’s adjacent districts.
Initial masterplan scheme for the site. It was structured on a 60m grid that ran along the length of the site. A ‘meandering’ block through the site was inserted to create unity, forming three individual spaces, the scheme was starting point.
The systematic approach to the work is exemplified in the ‘layering’ of the final masterplan. This gave a design tool to break down the various components and artefacts of the scheme allowing the complementary places to evolve
The complementary places layer. The three spaces; urban park, interchange square and trade fair square are structured in different ways within the site with the east-west boulevard acting as the ordering device, becoming the focal points for design.
Final site masterplan based on a grid system with the three principal complementary spaces and particular edge conditions in relation to the bounding districts.
City plan with the site to the west. The main arteries, green spaces and high-rise districts are identified on the plan, along with the ‘traditional’ boundary ring to the city centre.
The urban park, based on the principles of a non-commercial public space uses the ‘spectacle’ as the basis of its form. Surrounded by sports pitches the unprogrammed space is open to view the pool’s diving board and outdoor cinema.
The interchange square and trade fair square, based upon existing site conditions act as gateways to the site through various forms of infrastructure. The trade fair square increases the exhibition space and creates a physical monument for the Messe.
Elements of the urban park. The swimming pool is based on the public lido idea which pushes out into the park allowing swimming out between treetops. The bridges carry the grid through the park giving vantage points to view the surroundings.
The interchange square. This was formed directly by the new boulevard meeting the existing raised s-bahn and road. It provides a space where the transient population of the trade fair share the spaces of the local residents.
The trade fair square. This had two functions; firstly to create more exhibition space, and secondly to give the complex a physical presence within the city, allowing those who pass through to have a connection with the Frankfurt.
Sections through the complementary places and the edge conditions. These became the tools we used to understand the site on a macro-scale and as an indicative representation of the visual rules we could impose and how far they could be pushed.
Enlarged sections of the trade fair square’s rotunda and the edge condition to the site adjacent to the boulevard. The sections also provided the opportunity to test issues such as scale and the hierarchy of spaces within the scheme.
A catalogue of the treatments for the individual blocks was developed so that we could maintain control over the aesthetic of the site by setting up rules, which could then respond to the issues of hierarchy and ownership of various spaces.
Isometric of edge condition to the block system. Where the grid system meets the existing urban fabric allowed the opportunity to create a series of minor focal points that were articulated through a set of multi-purpose spaces and ‘light-boxes’.
In various instances the condition of the urban block strategy was articulated to present the intentions of the series of layers and rules developed for the site.
The articulation of the streets was to provide design intent for the overall image of the proposed district. Elements such as the trees and colonnades were used to define the nature and hierarchy of the streets and spaces.
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