Urban Planning Journal
2024
Benedikt Schmid, Cathrin Zengerling, Carola Fricke, and others
The article examines the "Kleineschholz" housing development project in Freiburg, Germany, which aims to create a residential area focused on the common good. Conducted by researchers from the University of Freiburg and Saarland University, the study highlights the project's innovative approach, utilizing concept-based tendering for land allocation and fostering dialogue between the municipality and housing organizations. It mandates that at least 50% of residential units be subsidized rentals and employs leasehold models to curb speculation. Despite its pioneering nature, the project faces challenges such as high construction costs and restrictive regulations. The Kleineschholz project serves as a unique experimental model, offering insights into collaborative housing while emphasizing the importance of local context in determining the success of such initiatives. Its findings contribute to broader discussions on transformative urban planning and the enabling role of municipalities in fostering collaborative housing developments.
This comprehensive research article, published in October 2024 in Urban Planning journal, examines an innovative housing development project called "Kleineschholz" in Freiburg, Germany. The study was conducted by Benedikt Schmid and Cathrin Zengerling from the University of Freiburg, and Carola Fricke from Saarland University.
Project Context
The Kleineschholz development represents a pioneering attempt to create a housing district entirely oriented toward the common good. Located in Freiburg's Stühlinger district, the project aims to build approximately 500 residential units on a 77,500m² site, exclusively through collaborative housing organizations rather than profit-oriented developers.
Key Findings
Implementation Process
- The project uses concept-based tendering as its primary instrument for allocating land to collaborative housing groups
- The municipality maintains continuous dialogue with housing organizations through regular meetings and workshops
- A community meeting space called "Pavilion for All" serves as a crucial networking hub for housing initiatives
Innovative Features
- Land is primarily offered through leasehold models to prevent speculation
- At least 50% of residential space must be subsidized rental apartments
- The city provides substantial financial support, including €6 million for subsidized housing construction
Challenges
- High construction costs and rising interest rates pose significant financial constraints
- Some housing groups find municipal regulations too restrictive
- Limited transferability due to the need for public land ownership and high resource requirements
Significance
The Kleineschholz project represents a significant departure from profit-oriented housing development, serving as an experimental lighthouse project rather than a universally applicable model. While it offers valuable lessons for transformative urban planning, its success depends heavily on Freiburg's unique context, including its wealthy, academic-alternative oriented milieu and strong tradition in collaborative housing.
Broader Implications
The study contributes to broader debates about transformative planning practices and the role of municipalities in enabling collaborative housing developments. While the project demonstrates innovative approaches to common-good oriented housing, its exceptional character highlights both the possibilities and limitations of scaling up such initiatives in other contexts.