In our view, climate adaptation is an approach aimed at mitigating unavoidable, future and already visible consequences of climate change, and at preventing damage before it occurs. In other words, it is about adapting. As planners, we not only have the opportunity but also the responsibility to actively and positively shape our built environment — for instance, by adapting our cities to new climatic conditions. A key aspect for us is the reduction of land consumption, achieved through the activation and continued use of existing structures as well as sufficiency-oriented construction methods. Strategies we apply in our work include multi-coded open spaces and multi-coded built spaces.

Measures for Climate Adaptation

By multi-coded open spaces, we mean public spaces conceived as flexible environments that accommodate different uses and user groups. We also aim to integrate infrastructure through nature-based solutions (NBS) and to reuse natural resources such as vegetation, sunlight, wind, and water. Multi-coded built spaces, in turn, are characterized by flexible layouts, generous ceiling heights, structural grids, and adaptable forms that allow for a variety of future uses.
In addition to these systemic strategies, we also apply local and less complex measures, such as preserving existing trees, installing external sun shading, optimizing building orientation and form for local climatic conditions, implementing green façades and roofs, and using light-coloured surfaces for façades and outdoor pavements.

Transformation of a fashion house

The transformation of the former Breitling fashion house on Stuttgart’s Marktplatz into the Haus des Tourismus is a compelling example of climate adaptation, as it fully embraces the principle of avoiding additional land sealing and continuing to use the existing building stock. The existing structure was preserved and, where necessary, upgraded.
A clear opening towards the market square and a new programmatic mix, combining catering facilities, a tourism information centre, and workspaces, have created a vibrant urban element that gives the location new significance and ensures activity throughout the day.
In the interests of climate adaptation, all façade surfaces were kept in light colors and the number of windows was reduced as far as possible. New parapets were added to the façade facing the square, and existing windows received structural frames that double as sun-shading elements. To provide shading in the outdoor areas, the ground floor façade was designed with an overhang and a pergola was added to the roof level. The roofs themselves were transformed into green roofs, contributing to rainwater retention, building cooling, and enhanced biodiversity, all while improving the microclimate.

Reclaiming the Urban Space B14

Climate adaptation plays an important role for us not only in building construction, but also in urban development. In light of the ongoing impacts of climate change, it is increasingly crucial to create cool urban places, develop resilient infrastructures that can respond to heavy rainfall, and strengthen ecological diversity.
For this reason, the design of the masterplan for the transformation of the B14 in Stuttgart has been more than just a mobility project for us from the outset. Fundamentally, it is about climate adaptation — about reimagining the B14 as a place that remains liveable well into the future.
Central to this approach is a conscious use of resources. Existing infrastructure is to be preserved and further developed, while decommissioned underpasses will, in parts, be transformed into rainwater retention basins and infiltration trenches. Overall, rainwater is to be kept within the local cycle and made available to plants. The design also seeks to leverage site-specific potentials, for example by transforming broad urban spaces into effective climate corridors.

Cool urban spaces are envisioned through multi-coded areas, continuous shaded pedestrian and cycling routes, the unsealing of surfaces, support of cold-air flows, and improved ventilation along the valley axis. To strengthen biodiversity, the plan includes diverse vegetation, groves, and an urban wilderness featuring climate-resilient tree species following GALK guidelines.
Ultimately, however, our overarching goal is to adapt together. The project is conceived as a process of design for and WITH people. Needs related to urban design, open space, and mobility will be negotiated collectively as part of the upcoming public participation process to ensure both quality and acceptance, and to integrate the diverse requirements into resilient, future-oriented solutions.