Vedeelhus

A place of integration - offering spaces of encounter

Master thesis (2017)

Authors

A.H. Romünder Architecture and the Built Environment

Contributors

S. Pietsch (supervisor 1)
D.J. Rosbottom (supervisor 2)
Faculty
Architecture and the Built Environment
Copyright: © 2017 Hjördis Romünder
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Published Date

29-06-2017

Language

English

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Faculty

Architecture and the Built Environment

Abstract

The graduation project ‘Vedeelhus’ - a place of integration seeks to explore spaces of encounter in inner city neighbourhoods. The effect ‘a place of encounter’ could have on a neighbourhood with a need for integration. The graduation project is located in the inner city of Cologne, Germany, at a small square called ‘‘An der Eiche’’.
This project reflects on the current refugee situation in Germany with a special focus on the local conditions in Cologne and the upcoming question of integration. The graduation project considers the long history of the city, the neighbourhood and the immediate surrounding.
Through this and the analyses of the current situation of the city and the neighbourhood the identity of the place will be further defined. The specific urban fabric, local traditions and public life of the city and the neighbourhood should be considered. Cologne as the oldest city in Germany (dating back to Roman times) and its history of a religious capital in the middle Ages need to be explored. Furthermore the city needs to be seen as a town of people, shoppers, students and tourists and as a multicultural city, with up to 30% of inhabitants in the inner city with an immigration background.
The Master Thesis aims to explore spaces of encounter to bring different residents of a certain neighbourhood into contact. To provide a place of integration, different user groups --- locals and newcomers- have to be addressed.