The Sustainable Transformation of Munich's Forumbahn Areas
Persistence of Infrastructure Transition: From Railways to Something Else
Stepping into the 90s, Munich encounters a goldmine of possibilities: the privatization of German Railways exposes around 180 hectares of land between the central station and Pasing, igniting the "Forum Bahn Areas" project. This ambitious endeavor has been in progress for over two decades, transforming the barren tracks into bustling neighborhoods filled with thousands of residences, job opportunities, social and cultural hotspots, sports facilities, and lush green spaces, spanning nearly eight kilometers. Delve into the transformation process of this environmentally-friendly area, as highlighted by key players such as Elisabeth Merk, the current Chief Building Officer, and her predecessor Christiane Thalgott, in this captivating documentary.
But what makes this development project so distinctive? Allow us to shed some light on the principles behind its success and the future of urban development.
Firstly, the essence of Transit-Oriented Development, or TOD, lies in the smart organization of urban density around transit services like trains. TOD reduces dependence on private motorized transport, making cities more sustainable by diminishing emissions and boosting connectivity [1].
Secondly, Europe prioritizes sustainable mobility through high-speed rail initiatives. For instance, the TEN-T trans-European strategic transport network features high-speed lines linking densely populated regions, resulting in significant emissions reduction [2][4]. While not solely focused on Munich, these initiatives echo broader European approaches towards sustainable mobility.
Lastly, revamping public spaces forms an integral part of Munich's environmental agenda. For example, the modernization of underground stations incorporates sustainable design elements that not only improve functionality but also enhance aesthetics. The aim is to create energy-efficient, appealing, and barrier-free spaces that cater to the well-being of users [5]. Although unrelated to the Forum Bahn Areas, this project underscores the city's commitment to sustainable urban design.
Though specifics regarding the "Forum Bahn Areas project" are scarce, Munich maintains a strong emphasis on sustainable mobility and urban renewal in line with broader European sustainability strategies.
[1] Transit-Oriented Development (TOD): https://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/transit-oriented-development-tod
[2] TEN-T trans-European strategic transport network: https://ec.europa.eu/transport/integrated_transport/trans-european_transport_network/ten-t_en
[4] TEN-T trans-European strategic transport network (high-speed lines): https://ec.europa.eu/transport/modes/ Rail/FPS_main.htm
[5] Revitalization of Munich's subway stations: https://theartnewspaper.com/news/how-munich-is-preparing-to-reopen-its-museums-and-subway-underworld/
With an emphasis on sustainable mobility and urban renewal, the Forum Bahn Areas project in Munich is poised to incorporate home-and-garden spaces that embrace sustainable-living practices, further aligning with the broader European agenda for environmental-friendly urban development. This new neighborhood, filled with lush green spaces, could effectively integrate into the existing transit-oriented development (TOD) model to minimize private motorized transport and promote public transportation use, as seen in initiatives like the TEN-T trans-European strategic transport network.
