Category: Planning and consulting

Conference and Policy Brief : The Role of Cities in Regional Development of Georgia

Posted on by Diana Maria Ramirez Daza

Georgia experienced significant decline in population in the first decade of its independence. Recent census also revealed continued decline in the number of overall population, nevertheless some areas show stabilization and even recovery. The recovery process is mainly observed in urban population.

The Urban System of the country is composed generally by towns but the most population lives in the cities with more than 100.000 inhabitants. This represents four cities out of which only the Capital has over a million population. Apart from the four cities, the rest of the urban settlements fall below 50.000 inhabitants.

Against this background, Bürogemeinschaft Gauly & Volgmann (bgh.) supported the GIZ Local Governance South Caucasus in the following fields:

  • Facilitating a workshop with key stakeholders to come up with a concept on the role of towns in regional development
  • Delivering a presentation on the German spatial and urban planning system
  • Elaborating a policy brief to define the potential role of cities in Georgia in regional

Commissioned by: Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH
Period:  2018 – 2019

Cities Fit for Climate Change [Chile & South Africa]

Posted on by Conny Fiebig

The Global Project “Cities Fit for Climate Change” (CFCC) is based on the new challenges that climate change imposes to cities worldwide. The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH is working together with its partners in Germany as well as in three partner countries: Chile, South Africa and India. The aim of the project is to develop integrated climate-friendly urban development instruments and in that way to test innovative solutions for urban planning.

Bürogemeinschaft Gauly & Volgmann advises the global project on strategic and technical issues, and coordinates and manages several assessment and advisory missions in Durban (eThekwini) and  Santiago de Chile with the following focus:

  • Conducting interviews with project partners and facilitating workshops with representatives of the cities´ administration and national ministries
  • Preparation of reports including strategic recommendations for the pursuit of the project
  • Continuous professional support and advice for the monitoring system

In addition, Bürogemeinschaft Gauly & Volgmann supported the project in the conception, research and implementation of a so-called source book as the central knowledge product of the project. Bürogemeinschaft Gauly & Volgmann advised the project on the development of a conceptual approach derived from the project results: the climate-proof urban development approach. The project experiences from Chennai, Durban and Santiago were prepared in a source book and supplemented by numerous other case studies from cities worldwide, which should serve as a resource and inspiration for local practitioners and decision-makers.

The source book is available online: https://www.giz.de/climate-proof-cities/#0

Commissioned by: Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH
Period: 2016 – 2018


Magistralenmanagement Georg-Schumann-Straße [Leipzig]

Posted on by Conny Fiebig

After the recognizable successes of the development along the Georg-Schumann-Straße, further support was needed in the key areas of the street’s development – such as stronger networking among local actors, creation of self-sustaining and sustainable structures, targeted development and monitoring of projects focused on location marketing, economic empowerment and vacancy elimination.

Main topics:

  • Further development and implementation of action plans and priorities
  • Accompanying and supporting of local actors and the administration in the implementation of measures and projects in the fields of economy, urban space and transport as well as culture and social affairs
  • Moderation and  mediation between the various stakeholder and interest groups
  • Supporting the City of Leipzig in identifying and integrating complementary counseling services and funding programs
  • Operation of the information center Georg-Schumann-Straße

Additional information:
http://schumann-magistrale.de/

Commissioned by: City of Leipzig, Office of Urban Renewal and Residential Construction Subsidies (ASW)
Cooperation partner: Freie Wirtschaftsförderung Frank Basten
Period: April 2013-May 2017

Advisory missions on Integrated Urban Development [India]

Posted on by Conny Fiebig

As part of the Indo-German cooperation, the Indian Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation (MoHUPA) and GIZ are cooperating in the “Inclusive Cities Partnership Program” (ICCP) project.

The aim of the cooperation is to promote sustainable and inclusive development. At the federal, regional and city level, strategies as well as concrete measures are to be catalyzed. Thus, they can contribute effectively to an inclusive and environmentally friendly improvement of the housing situation, with a focus on financially disadvantaged population groups. In this context, advisory missions took place in the Indian cities of Puri and Berhampur in February 2016 and May 2017, which were conducted, prepared and carried out by bgh. Thematic priorities and tasks:

  • Presentation of integrated development strategies in Germany
  • Analysis of the capacities for the implementation of urban planning approaches and concrete projects in individual city districts
  • Consulting and strategic recommendations for the further course of the project

Commissioned by: Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH
Period: 2016-2017

Integrated urban development concept for the city centre of Chernivtsi [Ukraine]

Posted on by Conny Fiebig

In 2014 and 2015, the City of Chernivtsi in Ukraine developed an Integrated Development Concept for its city center, with the Municipality of Chernivtsi receiving support from the project “Municipal Development and Rehabilitation of Old Towns in Lviv”. The cornerstone of the cooperation is a memorandum in which the city of Chernivtsi and the project “Municipal Development and Rehabilitation of the Historic Center of Lviv” agree to cooperate. The memorandum was signed at the the “The Integrated Urban Development Academy”.

The integrated urban development concept is the sustainable strategy for the development of the city center of Chernivtsi until the year 2030. It was developed in an intensive participatory process, involving local actors, various specialized offices of the city administration, municipal in-house operations and important public institutions.

In terms of implementation, goals, measures and projects the following topics have been defined: urban planning and housing, traffic, technical infrastructure, culture and cultural heritage, education, science and social affair, tourism, public space and green spaces, environment and climate protection, economy and labor market and administrative modernization. However, the individual subject areas are by no means self-contained, but rather there are close relationships and interactions, from which synergy effects can emerge. bgh. was active in the development process as consultant and accompanying the process.

Public forum on integrated urban development concept in Chernivtsi on 18.06.2015:

Commissioned by: Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH
Period: 2014-2015

Leitbild Workshop and Strategy Paper [Halle, Saale]

Posted on by Conny Fiebig

The City of Halle commissioned the consortium formed by the Leipzig Urban Management Systems (u.m.s.) GmbH and bgh. between 2014 and 2015 with the implementation of a Leitbild (mission statement) workshop and the elaboration of a strategy paper in the context of the update of its Integrated Urban Development Concept (ISEK) hallesaale* 2025.

In addition to sectorial analyses, external expert opinions and a comprehensive participation process to determine the current state of urban development, it was necessary to draw conclusions and record them in the form of a mission statement and a city strategy down to the project level, including financing options. The strategy paper and the Leitbild workshop were considered as core elements  in the ISEK process.

The development process had several important components. For example, citizens’ conferences, specialist workshops and expert interviews were carried out in order to produce a holistic development of mission statements.

Commissioned by: City of Halle (Saale)
Cooperation partner: urban management systems (u.m.s.) GmbH
Period: 2014-2015

Integrated district development concept [Kraljevo, Serbia]

Posted on by Conny Fiebig

The Serbian City of Kraljevo developed its “Integrated Urban Development Strategy for the Inner City of Kraljevo. Kraljevo 2030” in 2013 and 2014. The Integrated District Development Concept deals with goals, challenges and projects in the interlinked areas of urban planning and housing, transport and technical infrastructure, local economy, labor market, tourism and administration, public spaces and environment, cultural heritage and culture, social and health care as well as education and sports.

bgh. worked together with its partners on the following topics:

  • Working as a partner in the development and implementation of a strategic approach to elaborating the integrated urban development strategy of Kraljevo
  • Creation of a project management plan for the efficient control of the overall process
  • Preparation, implementation and follow-up of events within the coordination and participation process
  • Assistance in steering and directing the overall process and in ongoing coordination with other actors involved in the process
  • Development of selected measures to raise the awareness of local residents, local actors and administrative staff for a higher level of acceptance during the development process

Client: AMBERO Consulting Gesellschaft mbH
Cooperation partners: Michael Engel and Jens Gerhardt
Period: 2013-2014

Municipal development and urban regeneration in Lviv [Ukraine]

Posted on by Conny Fiebig

Between 2010 to 2014, bgh. together with its cooperation partner Urban Management Systems (u.m.s.) GmbH worked in the planning, preparation and elaboration of an integrated urban development concept for the historical city center of Lviv. In addition to other tasks, it was important to identify suitable instruments for integrated urban development.

Main topics:

  • Planning, preparation and elaboration of the action plan
  • Organization of stakeholder involvement in the urban development process
  • Documentation and public relations

Cooperation partner: urban management systems (u.m.s.) GmbH
Commissioned by: Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH
Period: 2010-2014

Integrated neighbourhood development concept Leipzig East

Posted on by Conny Fiebig

After years of  successful implementation of the renewal of the district of Leipzig East, there was a need to redefine the direction of the development of the district. In doing so, an even greater focus was to be placed on measures in the socially inclusive policies as well as a fundamental positioning of local politics on the integration policy of the district.

Accordingly, the “Integrated District Development Concept Leipzig East” (STEK LeO) was developed in the period 2011 to 2013 by various offices of the City of Leipzig, numerous local actors and experts from other cities. A comprehensive coordination and participation process characterized the preparation phase. Thus, the basic draft for the STEK LeO was first set in April 2011 at the strategy workshop “Leipzig East – Realignment of the integrated development strategy for the district of Leipzig East”.

The STEK LeO aims to improve the competitive and future viability of the districts in the east of Leipzig. The seven fields of action – education, economy & employment, neighborhood, health, neighborhood culture, urban space and climate & energy efficiency – were considered, from which priorities and an implementation strategy were developed. The main focuses of bgh. in this project were:

  • Supporting  the development of the concept
  • Accompanying the comprehensive voting and participation process
  • Conceptualization and implementation of the layout of the brochure

Commissioned by: City of Leipzig, Office of Urban Renewal and Residential Construction Subsidies (ASW)
Period: 2011-2013

Integrated urban development concept for the Old Town of Lviv [Ukraine]

Posted on by Conny Fiebig

The Integrated Development Concept for the Old Town of Lviv, which was developed from 2009 to 2011 in an inter-departmental, interdisciplinary working group, concretizes the general objectives of urban development. It includes all important measures and projects for the development of the historic old town of Lviv until 2021. A distinction is made between ongoing projects, short, medium and long term planned measures as well as project ideas, which can be implemented depending on funding. The concept is implemented by the city administration, other public institutions and local actors in Lviv.

In the areas of heritage and housing; public space; transport and technical infrastructure; tourism and culture; economy and retail as well as social issues and education, measures and projects were defined. Despite the sectoral classification, there are close relationships and inter-sectoral interactions. Using and strengthening potential synergy effects is an important part of the strategic approach.

Public forum on integrated urban development concept in Lviv on 10.06.2010:

Commissioned by: Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH
Cooperation partners: Jens Gerhardt, Iris Gleichmann
Period: 2009-2011

Project Progress Review “Sustainable Urban Development” [Syria]

Posted on by Conny Fiebig

Analysis of project progress in a mission within the GIZ project “Sustainable Urban Development in Syria”. The current state of development of the following project components was considered:

  • Renovation of the old town of Damascus
  • Urban planning and development Aleppo
  • National urban development strategy and city networks

Finally, bgh. prepared a project progress report and provided strategic recommendations for the further course of the project.

Commissioned by: Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH
Period: 2011

Model projects for the Georg-Schumann-Straße [Leipzig]

Posted on by Conny Fiebig

The Georg-Schumann-Straße is a 4.5 km long road in the north-west of Leipzig, which reflects in a special way the problem of Leipzig’s major traffic axes. The shrinkage process that began after the reunification of Germany was particularly pronounced in the main traffic axes, including the Georg-Schumann-Straße. The consequences of emigration and the decline of urban infrastructures were noticeable for many years.

Based on this, the City of Leipzig decided to develop new instruments and “model projects” along the within the road. bgh was commissioned together with its cooperation partners to assist in the preparation of the model projects and to set up a neighbourhood management for Georg-Schumann-Straße. The aim was to create impulses and incentives for private investors and, at the same time, to find and test new solutions.

Commissioned by: City of Leipzig, Office of Urban Renewal and Residential Construction Subsidies (ASW)

Cooperation partners: StadtLabor, Tröger + Mothes GbR and DSK Deutsche Stadt- und
Real estate development mbH & Co. KG
Period: 2010

Consolidation of experiences gained in integrated urban development [Romania]

Posted on by Conny Fiebig

bgh. advised the Romanian Ministry of Regional Development on topics related to the national urban development policy. In this context, bgh. organized workshops in Bucharest together with local stakeholders and organized a study trip for Romanian experts on integrated urban development in Germany.

Furthermore, bgh. promoted inter-municipal exchange of expertise at national and international level. In addition to a conference for Romanian cities in Timişoara, the exchange was enhanced on an international level between representatives of the Timişoara Municipality and the Lviv City Council of Ukraine.

Furthermore, previous experiences of the funding programme “Cautious Renewal and Economic Revitalization of Timişoara / Romania’s Historic Districts” were reflected and recommendations for the introduction of a funding programme by KfW were made.

Commissioned by: Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH
Period: 2010

Integrated action plan and urban development concept [rough concept] Georg-Schumann-Straße [Leipzig]

Posted on by Conny Fiebig

The Georg-Schumann-Straße concentrates the problems of major roads in Leipzig in a special way: The high traffic load and the associated impairments mean that the negative side effects of the urban redevelopment process in Leipzig can be found along the entire road.

To counteract the negative development tendencies, bgh. together with StadtLabor and the DSK Deutschen Stadt- und Grundstücksentwicklungsgesellschaft on behalf of the Office of Urban Renewal and Residential Construction Subsidies (ASW) developed the “Integrated Action Plan Georg-Schumann-Straße: Experimental Laboratory”.

The aim was to develop areas of specialization for public space by means of an integrated approach for the Georg-Schumann-Straße and to identify areas of spatial activity with exemplary model projects.

In addition, bgh worked. together with StadtLabor and DSK in the development of an urban development concept (rough concept) as the basis for the application for the funding programme “Active urban and district centers”.

Commissioned by: City of Leipzig, Office of Urban Renewal and Residential Construction Subsidies (ASW)
Cooperation partners: StadtLabor, Tröger + Mothes GbR and DSK German urban and real estate development mbH & Co. KG
Period: 2009

Updating the urban renewal targets “Lindenau I “[Leipzig]

Posted on by Conny Fiebig

The process of urban renewal in Leipzig has progressed since 1990 and has led to great successes. An important instrument was, and still is, the urban development subsidy programmes, which are used to redevelop areas of the City of Leipzig, with measures implemented in private buildings as well as improvements in  the residential environment (Urban renewal program – Städtebauliche Erneuerung).

The regular updating of the renewal targets serves to review the progress of specified measures and adapt the strategies to the changing conditions in urban development. The need for action is also reflected in the concept “Leipzig 2020 – Integrated urban development concept (SEKo)”.

The following services were provided:

  • Inventory and analysis
  • Proposals for the further development of the redevelopment area
  • Specification and continuation of the restructuring concept
  • Integrated action concepts for five action fields
  • Development of a concept for process control and marketing strategy
  • Communication, citizen participation and reporting.

Commissioned by: City of Leipzig, Office of Urban Renewal and Residential Construction Subsidies (ASW)
Cooperation partner: urban management systems (u.m.s.) GmbH
Period: 2009

Update “Integrated Urban Development Concept Housing” [Altenburg]

Posted on by Conny Fiebig

Based on the Integrated Urban Development Concept adopted in 2003, the concept was continued in 2008 and 2009 (“Integrated Urban Development Concept Housing Altenburg 2020”). The significance of the integrated concept becomes clear when looking at the framework conditions at the time of the update. For example, Altenburg recorded declining numbers of inhabitants, the worsening of which was foreshadowed by demographic trends; urban development was also influenced by difficult economic changes.

bgh. accompanied the process in cooperation Grunwald & Partner:

  • Updating the general information
  • Updating the housing market data and updating the analytic maps
  • Development scenarios and forecasts
  • Mission statement of the City of  Altenburg and goals until 2020
  • Public participation procedures
  • Editorial editing of results and reporting

Commissioned by: City of Altenburg
Cooperation partner: Büro Grunwald & Partner (since 2011: Grunwald & Grunwald, architecture and urban planning GbR)
Period: 2008-2009

Integrated Urban Development Plan [Sibiu, Romania]

Posted on by Conny Fiebig

In 2008,  bgh. was involved in the development of an Integrated Urban Development Framework for the Romanian city of Sibiu, together with the municipal administration and local actors. The Integrated Urban Development Framework worked as a strategic planning basis for the acquisition of European Structural Funds for the funding period 2007-2013.

Sectoral thematic areas such as the demographic and economic development, as well as the topics of transport and technical infrastructure, education, science, culture, social affairs and health, were initially considered separately. Followed by a SWOT analysis with development needs, the city-wide, cross-thematic development strategy was born. In the action plan the projects, financing approaches and time horizons were developed and documented.

Client: Büro für Stadtentwicklung und Stadtsanierung (B.S.S.) GmbH (Office for Urban Development and Urban Rehabilitation (B.S.S.) GmbH)

Cooperation partner: Foundation Urban Renewal Sibiu, Büro für Umweltplanung und Stadtentwicklung (B.U.S.)
Period: 2008

Updating Urban Renewal Targets Kleinzschocher [Leipzig]

Posted on by Conny Fiebig

The renewal area Kleinzschocher is located about 5 km southwest of the center of the City of Leipzig and is predominantly characterized by residential use. The former area can be divided into 3 parts: Historic center around the Taborkirche, Wilhelminian era housing stocks along the Dieskaustraße and area west of the Dieskaustraße. Increased investments in recent years have largely contributed to a significant improvement in the overall situation. Nevertheless, some areas continue to be characterized by dilapidated buildings and high vacancy rates. The need for action is also reflected in the concept “Leipzig 2020 – Integrated urban development concept” (SEKo) of the City of Leipzig.

On the basis of the strategic framework , the analysis of the current situation, identified problem areas and potential areas, spatial action priorities with an increased investment need were derived. By concentrating public investment, an initial effect was to be achieved which should trigger further private follow-on investments in the immediate environment and thus provide important impulses for the entire district.

As part of the updating of the renovation targets, bgh. provided the following services :

  • Inventory and analysis
  • Proposals for the further development and redevelopment of the area
  • Specification and continuation of the renewal concept
  • Communication, citizen participation and reporting

Commissioned by: City of Leipzig, Office of Urban Renewal and Residential Construction Subsidies (ASW)
Period: 2008

“Leipzig 2020 – Integrated urban development concept (SEKo)”

Posted on by Conny Fiebig

Between 2007 and 2008, the concept “Leipzig 2020 – Integrated urban development concept (SEKo)” was developed. Based on connecting sectoral plans, it names content-related and urban-spatial goals and focal points as well as central clusters of measures for their implementation. With this, the SEKo lays the foundation for a targeted cross-departmental administrative action within urban development.

The overall concept is underpinned by 10 technical concepts: housing, business and employment, education landscape, social, cultural, centers, transport and technical infrastructure, heritage protection, sport, and open space and environment. The core content of the concept of open space and the environment was developed in a cross-departmental working group coordinated and prepared by bgh. The SEKO “Leipzig 2020” was published in October 2009 and was updated in 2017. The “Integrated Urban Development Concept (INSEK) Leipzig 2030” was passed in 2017, replacing “Leipzig 2020”.

Partner: Büro für urbane Projekte
Commissioned by: City of Leipzig, Office of Urban Renewal and Residential Construction Subsidies (ASW)
Project period: 2007-2008

Behutsame Erneuerung und wirtschaftliche Belebung der historischen Altbauquartiere von Timișoara [Rumänien]

Posted on by Conny Fiebig

Die Deutsche Gesellschaft für technische Zusammenarbeit (GTZ) GmbH (heute Deutsche Gesellschaft für internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH) bereitete in den Jahren 2004 und 2005 gemeinsam mit den Akteuren vor Ort einen Antrag zur behutsamen Erneuerung und Belebung der Altbauquartiere der rumänischen Stadt Timișoara vor. bgh. unterstützte und begleitete die Stadt Timișoara fachlich bei der Antragstellung und Projektvorbereitung. Eine der Aufgaben war u.a. die Abstimmung des Projektantrages mit zahlreichen rumänischen Ministerien und der deutschen Botschaft in Rumänien.

Die Bürogemeinschaft übernahm die Federführung bei der Durchführung und Begleitung in einer Orientierungsphase des rumänisch-deutschen Kooperationsvorhabens „Behutsame Erneuerung und wirtschaftliche Belebung der historischen Altbauquartiere von Timișoara/Rumänien”. In den Jahren 2006 bis 2010 wurde dieses Projekt umgesetzt und etabliert. bgh. war gemeinsam in enger Zusammenarbeit mit den lokalen Partnern und dem Auftraggeber für die Projektkoordination und Durchführung verantwortlich. Zentrale Schwerpunkte waren:

  • Steuerung des Gesamtvorhabens, Abstimmung mit nationalen, regionalen und lokale Entscheidungsträgern in Rumänien und Deutschland
  • Aufbau einer Koordinierungsstelle Altstadtsanierung Timișoara (KAST) innerhalb der Stadtverwaltung
  • Koordination der Aktivitäten der Altbausanierung in Timișoara
  • Ausstellungskonzept und -umsetzung „Richtig sanieren!“
  • Unterstützung lokaler Bildungsträger bei der Erweiterung ihres Angebots (spezifische Kurse Altbausanierung)
  • Identifizierung und Vorbereitung geeigneter Förderprogramme für die Erneuerung der Gebäudestruktur, der öffentlichen Infrastruktur und des öffentlichen Raumes
  • Sensibilisierung der Bewohner der Altbauquartiere für angepasste Sanierungsverfahren
  • Aufbau von Beratungsangeboten für Eigentümer und Mieter

Auftraggeber: Büro für Stadtentwicklung und Stadtsanierung (B.S.S.) GmbH
Zeitraum: 2004-2010