Urban development and landscape framework plan for the north of Munich

The Staffelplan from 1904 to 1912 was the last overall spatial plan of Munich. The boundaries of this plan are still visible in the city today. Where the 1904-1912 plan leaves off, the urban sprawl begins. From 1920 onwards, there are only urban development plans, land use plans and traffic concepts, but no spatial concept.

On September 22, 1980, we were commissioned by the City of Munich to develop an urban development and landscape structure plan for the north of Munich using the basic material already available.

The planning area extended from the Isar in the east to the lowlands of the Würm in the west.
The structural concept was to show the long-term objectives for the development of the urban area and as a basis for a further concretization of the urban development plan, especially the objectives of green and open space development. As well as an orientation framework for detailed planning levels
(e.g. development plans or urban development concepts). The planning concept, with explanatory by-
plans, a concept of measures and an explanatory report, was presented to the Urban Planning and Building Regulations Committee in June 1983.

The condition of the north of Munich between the Isar and Würm rivers, and in particular the eastern area, was characterized by years of extensive settlement starting in 1920, intensified after 1950, consisting of industrial estates, housing estates, a satellite town located far out (Hasenbergl), industrial plants, storage areas, petrol stations, traffic facilities and wasteland in between - as well as attractive parts of the landscape such as loam forests and heathland.
In this phase of extensive settlement, only individual land use plans, traffic concepts, urban development plans and a series of individual studies existed for these areas, but no coherent urban concept on which the individual construction measures and partial development plans could be oriented. Street spaces, squares and parks were missing. Consequently, public spaces that have always made a city livable were missing.

The graduated plan of 1904 to 1912 was the last spatial overall plan of Munich. In the city area, the boundaries of this plan are still visible today.

Our investigation has shown that these areas, which were wastefully settled without an urban development concept, can be redensified without further ado within the framework of an urban development reorganization and that they can meet part of the future demand for space for residential and commercial purposes. In this way, further urban sprawl can be prevented. The areas in the north of Munich contain a high potential for a qualitative and urban and landscape planning improvement of the quarters, with the intention of again promoting the desired mix of work and living.

Among other things, the following measures, which are described in detail in the explanatory report, were recommended:

Spatial structuring of the quarters
A hierarchy of main and side streets is to be worked out in accordance with their urban planning allocation.
Existing streets form the basic framework for the structuring of the areas in Munich North. They form the urban development "center of gravity" and are to be developed as urban spaces and planted with avenues. The network of radial and ring roads with squares at the intersections will form quiet quarters that can develop into urban units with an independent identity and offer additional space for residential construction.
New commercial units with workplaces and the facilities for the local supply of the quarters will be created along the main roads.

In accordance with their urban allocation, a hierarchy of green spaces is likewise to be elaborated, structured from the open countryside to the densely built-up areas of the city:

a) the open countryside as well as the cultivated landscape (forests, fields, meadows, streams),
b) landscaped green corridors in the city, such as Isarauen and Dachauer Moos (meadows, fields, allotments, market gardens),
c) green corridors structuring city districts and quarters, if possible contiguous sports facilities, small parks, district park, etc.
d) the street space, avenues 2- and 4-row, front gardens, squares,
e) private greenery, courtyards, garden greenery for single-family houses.

In the public area, the essential green and open space structures should be created quickly and independently of the development through tree planting. Development and traffic can develop along the open space structure created. It takes 20 - 30 years for trees to grow up.