Our concept for the Mobility Hub on Külkeninsel, which won third prize in the competition, is characterized by a pragmatic organization, efficient use of space, and simple, dismantlable, resource-saving construction. Nevertheless, the architecture establishes a unique identity through its plasticity and colorfulness. The various functions are clearly defined yet harmoniously integrated. The energy storage facilities symbolize the neighborhood’s innovative energy concept and are celebrated in the design. The design inspiration came from the history of Bremerhaven and the symbolism of its coat of arms: just as the billowing sail in the coat of arms represents the union of the three formerly independent cities, a sail-like curtain surrounds and unites the various uses of the MobilityHub. The four colors of the coat of arms also served as a template for the façades: blue for the steel structure of the parking garage, red for the ground-floor façades of the local supplier and the ascending cores, yellow for the residential block, and silver for the energy storage facilities. The result is a highly recognizable building that serves as an anchor in the central green strip of the master plan, forming a lively counterpart to the repurposed industrial halls in the south.
The Mobility Hub and its surrounding open spaces are of great urban significance due to their central location in the green central axis of Külkeninsel. The new multi-purpose building is the focal point of the future residential quarter, and the outdoor facilities link the northern and southern parts of the park, particularly the open spaces along the East-West Canal. Retail, residential areas, dining options, and parking are accessible on all sides of the building via this spacious public square. With its green, vine-covered facade, the Mobility Hub is part of the park axis. In terms of open space planning, the grove of trees on the new neighborhood square continues the park avenues and serves as a forecourt for the main entrance to the retail area. The loosely spaced individual trees in the south mark the transition from the square to the seating steps by the new canal. A temporary sports area is planned for the second construction phase. On the south side of the partition wall, fields for volleyball, teqball, and bouldering are proposed. Two containers will be used for catering. Climbing plants adorn the exterior of the MobilityHub, forming part of its transparent building envelope. The neighborhood square is reflected on the roof of the MobilityHub. An amorphous wooden deck serves as a focal point for events. Five solitary trees and a pergola made of PV panels provide shade. To the south, an intensive green roof with terraces is clearly separated and serves as a retreat for tenants. The elevated floor structure also serves to retain rainwater. A brine-water heat pump provides sustainable energy.
The organization and development of the Mobility Hub has been optimized so that traffic flows overlap minimally and clear addresses with associated usage zones are established on the ground floor. The neighborhood square in the east has an open design facing south. With its tree islands, it provides a permeable connection between the local supplier’s entrance and the eastern traffic axis of the bike path and residential street. Motor vehicle traffic is largely kept out of the neighborhood in the west: the hub’s entrance and the local supplier’s delivery area are located directly behind construction phase 1. The northern part of the building serves as a transparent backdrop for the adjacent park. Accordingly, only the local supplier’s side entrance and the cargo bike sharing station are located here. The upper floors are designed pragmatically. For instance, switching to an external ramp system on the mezzanine floor allows for highly efficient use of space and simplified traffic management in the parking garage levels above. The mezzanine floor houses car-sharing and women’s parking spaces. The first floor has designated parking spaces for the supermarket. Thanks to its connection to the stairwells of the residential building, the top floor can accommodate over 200 visitors for events. The residential building is accessed from the south via two cores that also serve as secondary escape routes for each other.
Design: caspar., knippershelbig, RMN Ingenieure, TGP Landschaftsarchitekten BDLA, hhp berlin, Mobilwerk, Caspar Schmitz-Morkramer, Johannes Feder (PL), Jutta Göttlicher, Francisco Vaz Cano, Jonas Ritgen
Awarding authority: BIS mbH mit Land Bremen und Stadt Bremerhaven
Visualization: © caspar./moka-studio
