| Client: | Stadt Frankfurt (Oder) |
| Cooperation: | Christoph Kohl Stadtplaner Architekten |
| Activity: | Urban and Open Space Design Advisory Process |
| Period: | 2025 |
| Dimension: | 5,2 ha |
| Location: | Frankfurt (Oder) |
With the development of the area around Slubicer Straße, Frankfurt (Oder) is placing one of its most central inner-city locations at the heart of a forward-looking urban strategy. As part of the participatory planning process “Zukunftsplatz”—supported by the state initiative “Meine Stadt der Zukunft”—new impulses are being set for climate adaptation, digital transformation, and the common good. The urban and landscape design competition explores the potential for a mixed-use, urban neighbourhood—serving as a model for a European, climate-resilient, and socially inclusive city of the future.
The concept, developed by CKSA and FJP, aims to create a diverse, urban district that bridges the currently separated city structures on either side of the Oder and positions Frankfurt as a future-oriented European city. The site’s prominent location presents an opportunity to reinforce the city centre while simultaneously generating new stimuli for education, culture, business, and community life. Through a finely-grained, mixed-use block structure with urban density, a vibrant cityscape emerges—integrating living, working, learning, and leisure.
Urban Design Principles: Mix, Scale, Orientation
The proposed building blocks consist of staggered individual buildings of varying heights and architectural styles. This diversity generates a fine-grained, human-scaled urban fabric with a high degree of identity and character. Historic building alignments are referenced and reinstated. At the heart of the concept is a direct, almost historic axis between the Frankfurter Markt and Plac Przyjaźni in Słubice—with just one change in direction. This creates a new triangular urban square, capable of accommodating lively city life: local retail, gastronomy, play and green spaces, and venues for local arts and cultural initiatives currently activating the site through interim uses.
The “Tower of Two Shores” – A Place for Exchange, Knowledge and Identity
As a built and symbolic landmark, the planning team proposes the “Tower of Two Shores” at the southern bridgehead—a place of identity and connection for the academic, cultural, and economic life of the twin city. It could be used by the European University Viadrina, the Collegium Polonicum, student initiatives, and additional partners from research and business. Planned facilities include learning spaces, a media library, an auditorium, flexible rooms for associations, and a publicly accessible café or restaurant on the rooftop terrace offering panoramic views across the Oder. A simple Bar Mleczny along the promenade would further enhance the culinary offering.
Opening Towards the Oder – Waterside Spaces
The existing prefabricated building on Rosa-Luxemburg-Straße currently acts as a physical barrier to the Oder River. The proposal suggests its removal in order to open up the district towards the promenade, restoring visual and solar connections. The promenade will be expanded with new Oder Terraces, cascading from the street down to the water across several levels. These will offer a variety of public spaces: sunny platforms, gastronomic areas, play zones, and quiet retreats with views towards Słubice.
Mobility – Reduced, Integrated, Efficient
The mobility concept follows the principle of space-efficient inner-city development: visible surface-level parking is avoided. Parking is integrated into garages within the larger building blocks and serves smaller units as well. In public space, only delivery and accessible parking spaces remain—prioritising pedestrian and cycle traffic and enhancing urban liveability.
Aerial view (looking northwest)
Aerial view (looking northeast)
Schematic usage concept
Concept – Tower of the Two Banks
Historical building alignments
Perspective of Slubicer Straße – facing east
Perspective of Oderpark – facing north