Master's Thesis Carola Hilgert: Die Flut als Chance.

The Flood as an Opportunity: Developing a New Mobility and Open Space Concept for Stolberg’s City Center

As climate change progresses, the frequency of extreme weather events is expected to increase. Many cities are already grappling with the consequences of heavy rainfall in their urban centers, as insufficient space is allocated for water to flow and permeate the ground. The rigid separation of urban areas and natural landscapes in planning has led to cities dominated by concrete and asphalt, with minimal green spaces.

This thesis examines the 2021 flood disaster in Stolberg (North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany) and its impact on the city. It proposes universally applicable measures for urban transformation, offering new approaches to flood management in cities and aiming to reduce future flood risks.

By introducing a new mobility and open space concept, new inner-city areas are created to function as infiltration zones. Inspired by the "Biotope City" concept, the landscape is reintegrated into urban spaces, contributing to improved climatic conditions. Additionally, the sponge city principle is employed, enabling streetscapes to also serve as permeable surfaces. Through redesign and the meaningful multi-coding of spaces, a public, future-oriented environment is created. This reimagined urban space not only provides flood management but also offers areas for recreation and community use, fostering a livable and resilient city.