Quarter Sohnstraße 45 Düsseldorf

Panoramic view of a residential district with mixed‑use buildings, landscaped roof areas, townhouses and a wide urban street corridor.

Great Diversity on a Small Scale

Where a monolithic highrise once divided the neighbourhood, a new place of encounter is now planned. Quartier Sohnstraße opens with a finegrained building structure, green courtyards, and an urban promenade that acts as a shared living space and place to dwell.

At a Glance

Mixed‑use neighbourhood for a diverse community

22,500 m² of unsealed surface creating new green spaces

70% residential use, of which around 45% is subsidised housing, complemented by office, healthcare, retail, culture, and childcare

From High Rise to Vibrant Neighbourhood

At the heart of the design is the deliberate decision to dismantle the existing building, establishing the foundation for a sustainable, socially mixed neighbourhood. The high‑rise slab and its base previously acted as an urban “foreign body”, hindering the connection of the surrounding quarters. A conversion of the existing structure was examined in depth from structural, ecological and economic perspectives. Materials removed during deconstruction will be reused in the sense of urban mining, conserving resources and closing material cycles.

Diversity and Ecological Resilience

The new structure relies on small‑scale buildings and generous green spaces. A carefully considered rainwater concept, alongside roof and façade greenery, creates a climate‑resilient neighbourhood. Photovoltaics contribute to a positive energy balance.

Participatory Process

The public was involved from the start: idea forums, dialogue platforms and exhibitions enabled residents to share their perspectives. Topics such as green spaces, CO₂ neutrality, and social diversity shape the design and strengthen acceptance of the project.

“This exciting process has once again shown that the joint dialogue between the public, politics, administration, and the expert jury is crucial for driving urban development forward.”
Cornelia Zuschke, Councillor for Planning, Building, Housing and Property of the City of Düsseldorf

Creating New Connections

The neighbourhood links adjacent districts through new pathways and a carfree promenade. Gastronomy, retail, and semipublic uses bring life to the ground floors. Within the quarter, neighbourhood squares, play and activity areas and a pocket park provide compact green spaces for encounter and art in the public realm.

Project Profile

Project: Quarter Sohnstraße 45
Location: Düsseldorf
Client: DT Asset Management GmbH (DTAM) in cooperation with the City of Düsseldorf
GFA: 70.000 m²
Size: 70.000 m²
Competition: 2022
Uses: Residential, office, healthcare, retail, culture, childcare

Aerial rendering of an urban residential district featuring varied building volumes, landscaped roofs, public pathways and integrated green structures.