Knowledge Quarter Schwentinemündung  — Driving a connected future

In collaboration with the Cologne-based firm stadtland IMPULS and Kiel’s Economic Development Agency (KiWi), the focus was on the following question: How can the area at the mouth of the Schwentine be further developed into an innovative, interconnected and forward-looking knowledge district?

The Commercial and Industrial Land Use Strategy for the state capital Kiel (GIFS) was adopted by the Kiel City Council in February 2024. Since then, it has formed the basis for a coordinated, bespoke and forward-looking approach to the development of commercial land in Kiel.

The aim is to safeguard Kiel’s economic, environmental and social development through a forward-looking land-use strategy. The focus is on the further development of existing commercial sites, the design of new neighbourhoods, as well as fair allocation criteria and cooperation with the surrounding area.

As part of this strategy, the Schwentine estuary is now also being examined more closely with a view to positioning the site as a model knowledge district. The IMPULS workshop was tasked with developing initial substantive, spatial and strategic scenarios to raise the district’s profile in the long term.

The event began with an introduction to the Cologne-based consultancy firm providing technical support for the neighbourhood development. A keynote presentation on multidimensional land-use development provided initial food for thought for the subsequent group work. The participants worked in three groups on conceptual, urban planning and strategic ideas for the neighbourhood. The interim findings were presented to the plenary and discussed collectively. To round off the session, there was an opportunity for in-depth discussions and networking.

The discussions made it clear that the Knowledge Quarter Schwentinemündung already has a distinct identity. It is characterised by industry whilst also being closely linked to research and innovation. This proximity between production and science was highlighted as a unique selling point.

Key ideas and outcomes:

• Improving quality of life: Enhancing the quality of the environment through open spaces, greenery and usable outdoor areas; trialling temporary uses (pop-up laboratories, cultural events).
• Improving access: Better network of pathways, stronger links to neighbouring areas and the fjord, and greater visibility and openness of the site.
• Expanding cooperation between science and industry: establishing real-world laboratories, joint projects between research and industry, and creating platforms for innovation transfer.
• Develop architectural and spatial guidelines: optimise underused spaces, increase infill development, create flexible building structures for hybrid uses (research, production, education, co-working), and plan ahead for future needs.
• Strengthen social connections: institutionalise interaction within the neighbourhood, involve local residents, develop low-threshold participation formats, and foster a sense of belonging to the neighbourhood.

The IMPULS workshop has shown that the area at the mouth of the Schwentine is not only a historic industrial site, but also a place with a promising future. Research, business and the local community can work more closely together here to create new opportunities.

The ideas developed provide a solid foundation for the further development of the Schwentinemündung Knowledge Quarter. They will now be refined and will serve as a guide in the future for developing the quarter in a sustainable, liveable and innovative way.

Many thanks to everyone involved for their contribution!