Our concept for a refugee reception center in Heidelberg, which earned an honorable mention in the competition, is a key element of the Patrick Henry Village masterplan. The design features small-scale urban structures that foster community benefitting both refugees and local residents. The 7 buildings in the accommodation area convey a sense of openness while meeting all security requirements. Along the Parkway, four 5-sided buildings act as buffers and connectors, integrating with their surroundings through strategic views and varied heights. Public amenities include a library, retail spaces, dining options, and an adult education center. Religious facilities are housed in 3 buildings on the northeastern part of the site. To the east, the reception center forms an urban symbiosis with the BAMF (Federal Office for Migration and Refugees) and the quarter’s dedicated parking garage. The 5, 6, and 7-story buildings are optimized for high efficiency and excellent use of daylight, while green facades and roofs with photovoltaics contribute to sustainability targets.

Congratulations to Schulz und Schulz Architekten (1st prize), h4a Gessert + Randecker (2nd prize), and Sacker Architekten (3rd prize)!

Design: caspar. | Werner Sobek | studio grüngrau | hhpberlin
Awarding authority: State of Baden-Württemberg
Visualization: © caspar./bloomimages