Life reharmonized with nature

The Elisabeth-Aue district is structured into five neighbourhoods embedded within the surrounding landscape, which serves as the main point of reference. The landscape flows through the development area, connecting its districts and creating a variety of flexible thresholds and direct connections to the open space beyond.

Each neighbourhood offers a distinctive residential environment at a human scale, supporting a buzzing everyday life. At their core lies a shared green Anger—a communal open space that acts as a social hub, mediating between urban density and the more rural character of the surroundings. Generous, green courtyards complement this system of open spaces and extend the qualities of the surrounding landscape into the neighbourhood. The result is a distinct living environment at the urban edge—conceived not as a conventional urban quarter, but as a high-quality interpretation of the “urban fringe.”
The overall structure is defined by a network of green and open spaces, connections to key everyday destinations, and integration with adjacent neighbourhoods. A central district hub, framed by defined edges and a green core, forms the spatial and functional focus. From here, a network of blue-green corridors extends throughout the site, reaching into the landscape and linking public squares and infrastructure. Higher buildings cluster around the central park, strengthening orientation, while a sequence of differentiated public spaces emerges, including a neighbourhood square with a tram stop and an urban terrace.

Each neighbourhood features a central green Anger with play areas, green spaces, and facilities for community use and events. Its design is specific to each neighbourhood and allows for participation by residents, while being informed by the surrounding landscape.

The built fabric consists of large, efficient blocks that define clear residential areas while providing both spatial openness and privacy. Orienting the apartments toward courtyards, Anger spaces, and green corridors ensures good daylight, views, and a high quality of living. Conventional street spaces are reduced in favour of landscaped open spaces. A modular “kit of helpers” is proposed to allow for flexible additions to the buildings, supporting diversity in the residential typologies.

The porous layout and orientation of the building plots promote natural ventilation across the district. Landscaped courtyards with retention areas and tree planting enhance the microclimate and ensure comfort even during hot periods.
Motorized traffic is intentionally minimized. Instead, public transport and cycling form the backbone of everyday mobility, enabling a safe and versatile network of open spaces.