Gehl projects
IKEA veedel
Köln — Ikea Germany commissioned Gehl to deliver both a Masterplanning Framework and a feasibility study for a potential site, and perhaps more importantly, to provide them with a new way of working. Traditionally Ikea, like other big box stores, are surrounded by a sea of parking and isolated from urban environments. However, Ikea Germany has perceived the changing emphasis in urban development trends from isolated suburban shopping districts to people-centered urban environments. As a result of the changing tides, Ikea Germany’s goal during the feasibility study of their possible new district in Köln, Germany was to understand how to land Ikea in a new urban way within the city while staying true to their vision of creating better everyday life for people impacted by the business. Based on the great streets and squares of Poll, Kalk and Köln, Gehl’s aim was to add a new district to the city with a recognizable, high quality, locally grounded urban fabric. Buildings, blocks, streets and squares at a human scale, with attractive ground floors and good edges, creating an interesting stage for public life. Our process 2017
• Vision & programming • Public Space Plan • Massing and Capacity Study (volumes and key figures)
2018
• Feasibility study for a Masterplanning Framework
2019
• Public space design • Planning documentation & process
Project size 13 ha site Client IKEA Germany
Vision The intention of IKEA VEEDEL was to change a disconnected, car-dominated industrial area into a new meeting place for Poll, Kalk and all of Köln by filling in ‘the missing puzzle piece’ and creating a new connection to and between the surrounding areas.
Products • Vision & programming • Site analysis / Health check • Public Space Plan Scenarios • Massing and Capacity Study (volumes and key figures)
→ Ikea Veedel district was intended to be a diverse and varied city district, rather than a monofunctional retail park. A complete, living district with a mix of housing, offices, local shops, day care, education as well as hotel and leisure functions.