Active cityship in the planning process for the future plan “More Altona”

Abstract

In this research project seminar students of cultural analysis and a master photographer developed a method of participation as a contribution to the creation of a future plan for Altona. Background is the relocation of the railway station in Hamburg Altona.  The reconstruction of the station area provides a commercial and a residential site. The future plan shall help the adjacent to the new town areas to develop at the same time. The idea of preparation citizen portraits was created interdisciplinary. Content as surveys were semi-structured interviews with the citizens as experts, city walks with creating visual portraits of citizens and collective design-sessions for the northern part of the station area and the future planning of Altona-Nord. These portraits were taken from seven citizens from Altona-Nord within five to six hours.

In the results occurred the largest discrepancies in the rating of quality of living in the district. Apparently students and pupils enjoy the low rents and central location and seniors fell comfortable because they can reach important points by bike. Singles and parents between the ages of thirty and sixty however cannot identify with this district. They are looking for a more cultivated and well-off ambience with rich leisure time facilities. The approach for future planning of the participants were similar but each with an individual focus. A female pupil delivered the most innovative concept. She wanted to preserve but at the same time to help weaker people with social institutions to give them perspectives.

Looked at it this way building culture becomes higher culture not only by pomp and architectural quality but also by the people's creative use.