Large-scale projects in German cities

Large-scale projects today—a paradigmatic change in urban development? When large-scale housing estatesgained a bad reputation, small-scale projects advanced into the leading concept of redevelopment in our cities. Today, the wide-ranging new generation of large-scale projects reflects a renaissance of the city. In Germany, reunification and globalisation have begun to generate new large-scale projects. Our cities are making use of the opportunities presented by structural change, and many areas of conversion are being redeveloped. But this is a matter of urban structures rather than of suburbs. Handling urban diversity and social heterogeneity, creating integration and cohesion, paying attention to history and good design; these are permanent tasks of urban development—as shown by the projects presented in this publication. Large-scale projects are models for future living conditions. Their qualities can set standards and any defects may trigger necessary learning processes. Their relevance is universal.