Resilient Inner Cities: Conditions and Examples for the Transformation of Former Department Stores in Germany

Abstract

Digitalisation is leading to fundamental changes in the German retail sector and the city centres as places of trade. Traditional forms of business such as department stores have significantly reduced their branch networks. Their conversion poses major questions not only for the property owners but also for the municipalities concerned. As key properties, the buildings are of particular relevance for the reorientation of the inner-city use structure. In view of the reduced importance of retail in inner cities, it is discussed how the transformation of these properties can increase the resilience of city centres. Therefore, we conducted a systematic literature analysis on urban and retail resilience and derived ten dimensions for resilient city centres. We applied the ten dimensions and related criteria in the analysis of five selected case studies in Germany and assessed that new, innovative and flexible re-uses could be realised in the former department stores, increasing the multifunctionality and robustness of the city centres. The conversion of the buildings is not only sustainable from the perspective of climate and resource efficiency, but also contributes to the preservation of the local building culture and the identification of the citizens with the inner city.

Climate Comfort Due to Spatial Organization: A Major Factor of Urban Resilience in Complex Gentrification Nodes in New Urban Communities

“…As the concept of resilience is still unclear, especially in urban and social sciences [5], urban and social researchers are stressing its importance in science and practice as well as its strong connection to sustainability [6]. In the context of our research, resilience refers to a gentrification node's ability to keep its clientele's socioeconomic class affecting its spatial identity and form.…”

“…The objective of this paper is to demonstrate that the urban resilience of "gentrification nodes" is related to their climate comfort. We contend that spatial organization generates this resilience as it is undermined by spatial, social, climate comfort, and physical and environmental factors [5]. A research methodology that consists of case studies, users' questionnaires, and simulation for the chosen cases was applied [1].…”

Advancing Social and Economic Sustainability in Urban Areas: A Methodology for Determining Architectural Programs of Shopping Centers

“…In the field of urban development, strategic planning for shopping centers is not merely a logistical consideration; it is a fundamental component in sustaining the vitality of the central city core [68,69]. At the heart of this initiative lies the delicate balance between preserving the activities at the street level, particularly those of small businesses, and acknowledging the economic and social sustainability requirements of contemporary cities.…”

Exploring CBD Retail Performance, Recovery and Resilience of a Smart City Following COVID-19

“…Accordingly, building retail resilience should not be devoid of considerations for urban resilience, regional economic resilience and broader sustainable urban planning issues. Thus, retail resilience should also consider urban resilience as a key enabler, and factors such as the diversity mix of users within CBDs, flexible of use of spaces and facilities, multi-functionality of urban spaces, governance and design processes and innovative capacity, amongst others [33], should be included in responding to COVID-19.…”