Masterplan Dreispitz – Transformation into a sustainable neighbourhood, Basel, Switzerland

Masterplan Dreispitz – Transformation into a sustainable neighbourhood

The transition from fossil to renewable energy is essential in order to meet the +1.5°C / +34,7°F target limit for global warming. This will also change the way we live in cities in the future. The transformation of existing urban districts will therefore be a major task in the coming years.

The Dreispitz district project in Basel is the transformation of a commercial area. Christoph Merian is planning to develop the district into a mixed-use urban quarter where people can live, work and learn. Transsolar is supporting this long-term process on many levels with regard to sustainability and energy. A plan guide was developed as a prelude and basis for the structural transformation - a holistic strategy for implementing the overarching goals. Transsolar accompanied this process with regard to sustainability.

Following on from this, an in-depth energy strategy was developed for the entire site. Transsolar is currently working on further energy concepts with a focus on various sub-districts and is also supporting the development of the open space concept with regard to the urban climate and integral infrastructure planning.
With the aim of achieving a CO2-neutral energy supply, the energy strategy had to evaluate and narrow down various strategies, including in terms of complexity, costs, infrastructure requirements, expandability and availability, as well as compatibility with the existing district heating network.

Instead of relying on decentralized solutions, more efficient grid solutions are preferred. A CO2-neutral central heating and cooling supply must be based on geothermal heating and cooling potential; biomass can only be a temporary solution.
Two strategies are being pursued: A central heat supply as an extension of the current district heating system requires an additional cooling network to supplement it. A cold local heating system makes it possible to cover the heating and cooling supply with just one distribution system and to use load balancing.

In addition to the heat supply, the cooling supply is also a decisive factor in the future energy profile and must be taken into account when deciding on the supply strategy. The Dreispitz is already a heat island today. It is therefore important to avoid introducing further waste heat into the urban space. There is a synergy here with the open space concept: large interconnected green spaces enable good ventilation and cool the city in a natural way. This not only creates pleasant public spaces, it also considerably reduces the amount of energy required for cooling. Nature also benefits from more biodiversity. Ventilation is also crucial. Wind simulations are therefore being used to test the potential for improving urban ventilation. In order to develop attractive public spaces and create liveable living and working spaces, the impact of the new buildings in terms of daylight potential and solar radiation is also being examined.