Betreuung: Prof. Dr. Thorsten Wiechmann, Dipl.-Geogr. Andreas Gravert (ROP)

It seems like a self-running planning task: revitalizing an area of 1,000 acres with 10 miles of waterfront a stone's throw away from Midtown Manhattan. But what if this is a worn-out industrial area highly contaminated by massive oil spill and industrial waste? What if it is divided in two parts by the administrative border between Brooklyn and Queens? And what if any planning process relies on the engagement of community members that never wished to move there?

The Newtown Creek is known to be one of the most contaminated waterways in America. Being largely blocked by industrial use, hardly any local resident has ever seen the waterfront of the creek, unless he/she got stuck in traffic on one of the bridges that passes the industrial area. Since the quality of the waterway is now being addressed as part of a federal superfund program, the question arises what development the adjacent area will take. Most recently, a community initiative was established to implement a community-based economic development process for the “Newtown Creek Brownfield Opportunity Area”. Their aim is to create a “21st Century approach to enhancing and reutilizing sites within one of New York City’s most important maritime industrial areas”.

Aims and objectives
The project will have a closer look at the Newtown Creek area and assess development opportunities from a planning perspective. This includes not only a thorough investigation of the area itself, but also of the context in which the redevelopment process in New York City will be situated as well as the search for good practices in other places.

Requirements
The project is part of reciprocal cooperation with the Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation of Columbia University in the City of New York. A group of students from Columbia University will conduct simultaneously a planning studio in the Ruhrgebiet focusing on the Emscher Island. It is envisaged that both groups support each other. Besides field trips, communication by e-mail and videoconferencing will secure a close link between the American and the German project groups.

A good command of English is required for participation in this project.

Kontakt

Prof. Dr. habil. Thorsten Wiechmann
Tel.: 0231 755-5428
E-Mail senden

Weitere Informationen:

Art der Veranstaltung: Projekt

Dauer: 8 SWS

Punkte: 10 LP