EUROPAN 11  SELB, GERMANY
Competition

SELF MADE SELB

A new urban model for Selb should enable the site to have a permeable relationship with the surrounding. The buildings themselves are situated in such a way that they form an open public courtyard that will be perceived and completed through new elements mixing gradually with the existing ones according to the density value. New relationship between private and public, old and new will increase the opportunities for people to see, hear and meet each other.

From the main road new accesses and new paths invite people to passthrough and enjoy the open spaces. In this way the importance of a void is emphasized.

Street is thought for staying in, and not just for moving through. The versatility of the new spaces and the control of several flows of mobility is arranged through multi-purpose platforms that differ specifically from the surfaces road of asphalt and can accommodate temporary exhibitions, markets and small fairs.

The dominant character that before had the traffic is replaced by a square for citizens, with the widening of sidewalks in areas close to commercial activities. A public parking is allocated in front of the square. From that point the main road is free from vehicular traffic. The square hosts a multifunctional space with different activities: info point, shops, green zone, bar, exhibition, bus stop, bicycle parking, water pond.

A basic module of 45 sqm is combined to form different housing typologies suiting the needs of their users. The new residential units complete the permeable border of the new urban space and the façade are designed to seek a communication between the main road outside and the open public courtyard inside.