Johannes-Kepler Quartier – a neighbourhood for the future
In the city centre of Lübeck in northern Germany, Bonava is building a green vibrant neighbourhood, as a part of the new quarter Johannes-Kepler. The neighbourhood is designed to work both now and in the future. A neighbourhood that promotes both biodiversity and a sense of community. Another great example of how we can create happier neighbourhoods.
Johannes-Kepler Quartier is located in the district of St. Gertrud, near the town centre, where Bonava is building its new neighbourhood. It will have a harmoniously designed appearance that will blend into the surrounding high-value natural landscape, with 157 residential units across 10 apartment buildings. The homes will be a variety of sizes, to suit families with children as well as single people and senior citizens.
“The fact that the old town can be reached on foot, as well as the location in the middle of nature and landscape conservation areas, offers the best conditions for the development of a new urban district with a high quality of life,” says Grit Jopp, Landscape Architect at Bonava.
Developing for sustainable life: a key foundation for the project
As well as the neighbourhood being planned to suit different types of people and to promote social activities between neighbours, sustainability has been key in the project design. Trees, perennials and even bushes have been carefully selected with the climate conditions of the future in mind.
Trees mark entrances and shared spaces or create proximity to nature in individual homes. They also offer diversity, spaces for play, shade and help improve the microclimate. The different types of plantings and structures in the neighbourhood create environments ideal for animals and insects and promote biodiversity.
“It’s always important to pay attention to sustainability and to create a living area that will continue to function effectively in the future. People need a lot of greenery around them, to create shade, air exchange and cooling. The selection of species must meet these requirements and offer a high level of diversity in terms of flowers and nutrients for insects as well as nesting and resting places for animals,” says Grit.
Sustainability plus nature equals happiness
According to the Happy Neighbourhood report, we know that proximity to green areas and parks makes people 18 percent happier in life in general, and 38 percent happier in their neighbourhood. The studies also demonstrate an increase in happiness when residents know their neighbourhood promotes environmentally friendly and sustainable lifestyles.
The ‘Happy Neighbourhood’ concept has been an important aspect in planning the development. This is a strategy that distinguishes Bonava from its competitors, and makes its neighbourhoods unique, and Grit explains how the German team constantly take account of current research and ensure they implement the concept in the best possible way.
A happy neighbourhood for the many
The aim of the urban development is to create a neighbourhood for everyone, with the goal of creating a pleasant social mix through a wide range of different buildings and homes. This leads to a lively, colourful neighbourhood, where shared spaces are supplemented by green areas. Spaces that create a community that transforms the neighbourhood into something more than just a place to live – they create a community.
“Where you live should be attractive and usable for everyone. Neighbours can easily move through the neighbourhood, and the seating areas are all equipped with loungers, benches and tables. The spaces for small children are close to those for adults. This is a great way to spend a lazy afternoon with friends while keeping an eye on the kids as they use the play areas,” says Grit.
Find out what makes people happier where they live in Bonava’s Happy Neighbourhood report.
