PROJECT STORY
The challenge
The primary objectives of the Stuttgart authorities were to avoid resealing ground and to use the site to boost sustainable urban development in the city.
Olga site, Stuttgart
From hospital site to urban residential area
The solution
The clearing of the former hospital site and the demolition of its modest post-war architecture created an opportunity to build a new residential quarter.
The impact
Today, the site is an attractive and centrally located, forward-looking part of the city that sets new benchmarks in terms of energy efficiency, sustainability, social and functional diversity, and cooperative development models.
224
residential units
50%
subsidized housing
210,000 m³
built-up space
The challenge
In 2014, the city of Stuttgart found itself in the midst of a unique urban development opportunity. In one of the largest historic areas in Germany, the modest post-war architecture of the Olga hospital had long looked out of place alongside the surrounding restored buildings dating back to the end of the 19th century. When the hospital was incorporated into Stuttgart's central hospital, the old buildings could be demolished and the site could be restored to prepare the freed-up space for redevelopment.
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The solution
Working in close collaboration with the city of Stuttgart and the involved authorities, Arcadis managed all planning, tendering and monitoring processes for the demolition and site clearing project. Given the inner-city location of the site—which had a surface area of 16,000 square meters and 210,000 cubic meters of buildings that measured up to 40 meters in height, all nestled among residential developments—this was an enormous challenge.
Before demolition could commence, the buildings were checked for hazardous substances and all such substances were removed. Extensive emission prevention measures (including protection against dust and noise) were required during the demolition work. The site was also considered an unexploded bomb risk, so each ground intervention required special safety measures. For structural reasons, part of the old building had to be left intact and secured. Groundwater dewatering was required throughout the project, as some of the buildings on the site had up to three levels of basements below ground level.
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The conversion of the former hospital site into a new urban quarter is a shining example of successful and sustainable inner-city development and a great blueprint for future projects in the city of Stuttgart.
The impact
Through the restoration of the former Olga hospital site, west Stuttgart has gained an attractive new development location. On four construction sites, real estate developers and joint building ventures built 224 residential units, 50% of which are publicly subsidized. The kindergarten, community center, stores, homes and open spaces are now filled with life, proving that this ambitious approach to urban space recycling has paid off — not just for those directly involved, but for the entire city.
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