During a three-day field trip, 20 environmental planning students examined the tension between housing shortages and environmental considerations in Frankfurt am Main. The focus was on a district currently in the planning stage in the north-west, comprising 6,800 flats for 17,000 people and numerous jobs along the motorway. The area also fulfils important ecological and infrastructural functions, such as providing a supply of cool air, and enjoys political support from the relevant political groups on the city council.
The programme included a detailed ‘climate walk’ through the planning area, expert discussions on housing policy and urban planning, as well as museum visits relevant to the theme. Based on their impressions, the participants developed conflict analyses relating to the neighbourhood.
The excursion offered a striking insight into the complex conflicting objectives of urban development and highlighted just how varied the perspectives of the stakeholders involved are – and how challenging it is to reconcile affordable housing, environmental requirements and infrastructure needs.
Further information about the field trip
