Living North in Biebesheim
In the municipality of Biebesheim am Rhein, which has been part of the “Hessen aktiv: Die Klima-Kommunen” alliance since early 2024 and aims to become climate-neutral by 2045, a new residential neighbourhood of around 65,000 m² is to be created. To this end, the municipality launched an urban planning and landscape design implementation competition. It sought a forward-looking concept with pilot character that would set benchmarks for sustainability and climate neutrality, meet the needs of different generations and contribute to sustainable community development. The design by schneider+schumacher with Carla Lo Landschaftsarchitektur won first prize and was officially presented in early October.
The concept envisages developing the “Wohnen Nord” neighbourhood as an Urban Village: a compact, socially diverse and landscape-oriented settlement structure with a communal centre. This centre is formed by a central green (Anger), which serves as a shared open space linking the courtyard-like residential clusters and at the same time connecting the three squares along the main access route. In urban terms, the neighbourhood mediates between Biebesheim’s established settlement fabric and the open landscape at the Kleines Ramsloch. Along Neuer Weg, a clearly defined neighbourhood edge with stepped heights takes shape, while the settlement opens towards the landscape to the south and towards the Ramsloch.
The planned residential clusters combine different housing types, from single-family, semi-detached and terraced houses through compact multi-family buildings to senior-friendly and community-oriented housing. This creates a diverse housing offer that can adapt well over the long term. The neighbourhood is designed to be low-car: parking is consolidated in barn-style car parks and parking boxes, so that residential streets and courtyards remain largely free and can be used as safe spaces for movement and gathering. Green open spaces and pathways, shaded squares, photovoltaic systems and an integrated rainwater management system contribute to climate adaptation. The result is a socially diverse, climate-friendly neighbourhood that brings together housing, community and landscape.
Presenting the design: Friederike Plohr, Romeo Philipps-Dubokovic, Gordan Dubokovic and Sabine Plagemann (from left to right; members of the schneider+schumacher team)