Since the 2000s, Frankfurt's Ostend has undergone particularly dramatic transformation. In this formerly industrial district, the architecture consortium of Karl Dudler, Stefan Forster, and O&O Baukunst completed the third phase of an urban residential quarter in 2023—one that captivates through its urban diversity and architectural excellence, despite residential development having been originally prohibited here under building codes. Near today's ECB headquarters, on the grounds of the former Ost freight yard, developer Max Baum acquired approximately 40,000 m² in 2003, bounded by Ferdinand-Happ-Straße to the south and railway tracks to the north. Known as "Schwedler Carré," the site was initially developed with a supermarket and parking garage, an ECB daycare facility, and three office buildings oriented along an east-west axis.

The residential quarter took shape across three construction phases and embodies the European city model—with its carefully defined separation of private, public, and semi-public space. Following this guiding principle, the planners divided the area into individual plots, each assigned to one of the three architectural practices. The result is a refined orchestration of architectural styles and façades, unified by a strong urban design framework. All residential buildings feature either balconies or loggias, while ground-floor units benefit from private gardens. Stefan Forster's mostly seven-storey buildings showcase differentiation through a strong base and subtle variations in the clinker brick palette. A 16-storey residential tower punctuates the quarter's perimeter, creating a striking architectural landmark.

The roughly 400 units reflect a commitment to genuine social diversity: the mix includes owner-occupied flats, rental units, and subsidised housing. Two daycare centres at street level and expansive communal outdoor spaces reinforce the vision of a vibrant, socially integrated neighbourhood.

www.sfa.de
www.maxdudler.de
www.ortner-ortner.de

Photography:
Lisa Farkas
www.lisafarkas.de

(Published in CUBE Frankfurt 04|24)