Düsseldorf. Metropolis on the Rhine

Kennedydamm as development axis:
restructuring and new perspectives in the north
119
View of Kennedydamm
The Kennedydamm in <strong>Düsseldorf</strong>’s Golzheim district forms one of the central entrance situations
to the city center — consequently, the urban development and spatial design of the whole
quarter is of special importance to <strong>Düsseldorf</strong>. Many building projects along the important
transport axis are currently planned or are about to be realized. These include several high
points, which will make this major restructuring process particularly noticeable both for the
citizens and for visitors to the city. The individual construction concepts and ideas are not only
architecturally appealing and innovative in their design language and use of materials, they also
embark on new and exciting avenues in the context of the urban space and thereby enable new
perspectives. For example, they not only open up towards the public space on the ground floor
but reinterpret verticality with new access levels or fit carefully around existing buildings.
However, this is not the only reason why the development of this central city gateway in
Golzheim is of elementary importance for the state capital <strong>Düsseldorf</strong>. After all, apart from this
spatial and developmental transformation of the area that is shaping the cityscape, current
topics and various building blocks determine its development: the mobility shift has been
heralded and is gaining momentum. The use requirements are in a process of constant change.
High-rise projects primarily with office use must therefore be taken into consideration, as well as
the conversion of the former Golzheim Campus, whose transformation will redefine the northern
area of Kennedydamm. City climate and microclimatic considerations are increasingly gaining in
public awareness.
To prevent the danger of an autonomous development of the respective individual projects,
all the framework conditions, as well as potential synergies, were considered as a whole
and discussed with affected project developers, investors, architects, incorporating experts
and the public. How can the area be integrated into the urban space? What does a municipally
and socially acceptable development of high-rises look like? How can open spaces be given a
high-quality and functional design and be linked? What intelligent transport strategies do exist
that meet the increasing demands regarding mobility and at the same time raise the attractiveness
of the location? These and other questions were the focus of a process that ultimately
brought forth fundamental principles that will shape the further development of the city.