INNER-CITY DEVELOPMENT
City centres are particularly important for the identity and public life of cities. Here, historic buildings bear witness to history, while contemporary buildings represent the common good (town hall, administration, museums, etc.). In addition, city centres are home to the most frequented public spaces, which are traditionally brought to life by the numerous retailers located there. However, many city centres are facing significant pressure to change, caused by the growth of ecommerce, the expansion of chain stores, concentration processes of retail, and changing consumer habits. Added to this are global crises such as the coronavirus pandemic, high inflation and rising energy costs, which have had a negative impact on city centres as retail locations. If city centres are to continue fulfilling their economic, social and symbolic roles in the future, structural and programmatic adaptations are inevitable. The department of City and Transformation focuses its research and teaching on alternative urban development concepts and the conversion of former retail properties (see also „Umbaukultur“).
that's interesting
Research Projects:
- Warenhäuser als potenzieller Baustein und Impulsgeber einer nachhaltigen Innenstadtentwicklung, 2025 - 2026
- Große Kaufhäuser in den Innenstädten. Kleiner baukultureller Statusbericht, 2022-2023
Teaching projects (selection):
- Transformation Innenstadt Braunschweig, Projekt lang, Sommersemester 2024
- After the City. Eine Mitte für alle, Projekt lang, Sommersemester 2021
Publications (selection):
- Rieniets, T, 2022, Innenstadt neu denken. in Innenstadt in Transformation. S. 22-23.
- Rieniets, T, & Grafe, C, 2022, Stadtumbau in Zeiten des Wandels. in C Grafe & T Rieniets (Hrsg.), Umbaukultur. Für eine Architektur des Veränderns. Kettler, Dortmund, S. 82-93.
