Dusseldorf proposes establishment of novel artisanal agriculture farms by Green party supporters.
In the heart of Düsseldorf, a new vision is taking shape. The Green mayoral candidate, Clara Gerlach, has proposed the idea of a craft campus at the Südring in Bilk, aiming to provide a new and large space for the craft industry in the city.
The proposed craft courtyards could accommodate 50 to 100 craft businesses, ranging from car repair shops to joinery, locksmiths, and goldsmiths. Architect Kaspar Stobe's concept for the craft center along the Südring includes a stacked shelving system of various-sized units for these diverse businesses.
The city of Dresden has already set an example with a similar initiative, intending to establish a so-called "Master Quarter" in the form of stacked craftsman yards at Tetelberg. The Tetelberg site is considered ideal for the project, as an alternative to an office strip along the Südring.
The Chamber of Crafts Düsseldorf (HWK) faces difficulties in finding suitable premises for craft businesses. Central locations are being displaced due to residents' criticism of emissions, property owners' profitable alternative uses, and parking issues.
Dr. Axel Fuhrmann, CEO of the Chamber of Crafts, is enthusiastic about the Green Party's idea, as it could prevent businesses from moving to the outskirts. The Greens plan to introduce the idea in the council meeting on April 10th and request that the administration conduct a feasibility study, which will take at least one to two years.
The area at the Südring was initially considered for the new Technical Town Hall, but is now being considered for an innovative "Master Quarter" in the form of stacked craft courtyards. Six building plots have been defined in the area near the Chamber of Crafts, where affordable housing is to be created, including apprentice flats and intergenerational projects.
The new craft courtyards could be built at the southern ring road, near the site of a new high school. The Greens have focused their attention on the newly developing area at the Tetelberg, where construction of the new Luisen-Gymnasium has already begun.
Frank Schulz, Green city council spokesperson, suggests that the stacked craft courtyards of the Master Quarter would provide noise protection along the Südring and create a mixed, lively quarter. The study shows possibilities for units ranging from 100 to 300 square meters in size, which are often not interesting for normal developers.
Even with general approval and all permits, craftspeople are unlikely to move in before 2030. Every fourth craft business in Düsseldorf is currently looking for a new location, and this innovative proposal could provide a much-needed solution.
The Greens' plan includes expanding the Tetelberg location to include inter-company training for district guilds and apprentice housing for craftspeople. An architecture firm, Stöbe, has prepared a study on the craft courtyards, which includes a PV system for affordable energy.
As the city of Düsseldorf continues to grow and evolve, the proposed craft courtyards could play a significant role in preserving the city's rich craft heritage while providing a modern, sustainable solution for the craft industry.
