Post-military urban regeneration in Germany: a comparative study of Bornstedter Feld, Scharnhauser Park, and Vauban
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3846/jau.2026.25708Abstract
In the wake of German reunification and the withdrawal of foreign military forces, vast tracts of former military land became available for redevelopment across the country. This paper investigates how three notable post-military sites (Bornstedter Feld in Potsdam, Scharnhauser Park in Ostfildern, and Vauban in Freiburg) were transformed into sustainable urban districts through distinct governance models and planning strategies. Utilizing a qualitative, comparative case study methodology, the research analyzes each site’s approach to governance, citizen participation, financial mechanisms, sustainability, and legal frameworks, particularly the use of §165 of the Federal Building Code (BauGB). The comparative analysis highlights that the success of post-military redevelopment depends not only on legal tools or financial models but also on civic inclusion and ecological vision. While all three projects achieved functional reintegration and urban quality, their varied outcomes underscore the importance of aligning governance structures with context-specific goals. These German experiences offer valuable lessons for cities in Korea, Eastern Europe, and post-conflict regions facing similar challenges in military land reuse. The study contributes to the broader discourse on adaptive urbanism, participatory governance, and sustainable redevelopment of brownfield sites.
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post-military urban redevelopment, governance models, sustainability strategies, citizen participation, BauGB §165How to Cite
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Copyright (c) 2026 The Author(s). Published by Vilnius Gediminas Technical University.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
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Copyright (c) 2026 The Author(s). Published by Vilnius Gediminas Technical University.
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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.