Analysis -human
Fulda, centrally positioned within Germany and Europe, serves as a key economic, cultural, and transportation hub, with strong rail connections to major cities. Defined by a mix of urban and natural landscapes, including the UNESCO-protected Rhön Biosphere Reserve, the district has a deep industrial history, particularly in textile production. The Langebrückenstraße/Hinterburg area, once home to the TeWi textile factory, marks Fulda’s historical origins but now struggles with outdated infrastructure and underutilized spaces. To address these challenges, the Integrated Urban Development Concept (ISEK), initiated by the city of Fulda, provides a framework for redevelopment, focusing on housing, infrastructure improvements, and the establishment of a cultural center in the former textile factory.
Building on this foundation, my thesis expands the perspective, analyzing the site through the lens of human stakeholders and their needs. Using an interest-influence matrix, I map out key actors, ranging from local institutions like the Catholic Church and educational facilities to students, businesses, and residents. This analysis helps to identify conflicts, synergies, and varying levels of influence, ensuring that future development considers all perspectives.
The research spans multiple scales, from the district level down to the site itself, exploring how the redevelopment fits within Fulda’s broader urban fabric. While the ISEK provides the structural foundation for housing and cultural programs, my thesis examines how remaining industrial buildings and open spaces can be adapted to support a diverse range of users. This includes spaces for education, community-driven initiatives, and local businesses, ensuring that the transformation aligns with the existing social fabric and evolving urban needs.
By addressing human interactions, spatial demands, and institutional interests, this project envisions a site that is not only redeveloped but strategically integrated into the city’s larger ecosystem—a place where history, community, and function merge to create a more accessible and inclusive urban environment.
The Site and Its Development Potential
The Langebrückenstraße/Hinterburg area consists of a mix of recreational landscapes, riverfront space, historic industrial buildings, large-scale structures, newly built storage halls, and a parking lot. Currently, the parking lot functions as a commuter space and caravan site, also hosting long-distance bus services.
At the core of the site, the east wing of the large industrial complex houses the Youth Centre, while the main building is set to become a cultural center, reinstating displaced social clubs and introducing additional spaces for local culture, art, and community events. These historic brick buildings, protected under German heritage regulations, contribute to the district’s architectural identity.
While the west wings will continue to accommodate vehicle storage, workshops, and offices, plans are in place for the relocation of the municipal builder’s yard, opening further opportunities for development. This thesis explores how remaining industrial structures and open spaces can be adapted for mixed-use programs, fostering education, local businesses, and public engagement. The site’s walkability and proximity to the city center position it as a key extension of Fulda’s urban life, ensuring a vibrant, multi-functional future that integrates both historical legacy and contemporary needs.