Evaluation

Character

The development plan for Vauban included some regulations for the design and layout of the homes. These included the prohibition of detached houses, thus leading to a compact urban building structure and the prohibition of buildings exceeding four storeys.

Variety and distinctiveness have been encouraged through the preferential allocation of land to private builders and co-operative building projects. This is illustrated by the numerous individually designed façades which create a special atmosphere.

A diversity of building shapes has been created through the division of land into small plots and legibility is provided through the masterplanning of the district and the creation of a distinct market place and neighbourhood centre.

Roads, parking and pedestrianisation

An ecological traffic and mobility concept has been implemented at Vauban, where the principles of 'car-free' and 'parking-free' living have been applied. These are based on a reduced number of private cars, which are parked at the periphery of the site, and large parts of Vauban prohibiting the building of parking spaces on private property.

Nearly 50% of Vauban's households are 'car free'. These households are encouraged by good public transport provision, a convenient car sharing system and a higher quality of living. Car-free households save the substantial cost of a parking space in the community car park, as do development companies who put up car-free apartments for rent.

Residents who join the car sharing organisation have access to shared cars and receive a one year free pass for all public transport within Freiburg. In practice, some residents have reported problems on the ground with the enforcement of car free living and with visitor parking.

Two bus routes connect Vauban to the city centre and the main railway station, and a tramline and suburban train line are planned for 2006.

Design and construction

The energy concept at Vauban was developed through the collaboration of Forum Vauban, the City of Freiburg and the Freiburg Energy Company (FEW). In 1992 the City Council decided that land sold by the City should only be available for low-energy houses. All houses in Vauban are built to at least low-energy standard, with many exceeding this.

Forum Vauban has been particularly successful in encouraging developers to adopt an ecological approach. Their goal was to go beyond the ecological standards laid down in the development plan. Forum Vauban arranged focused and free advice at organised information exchanges and events to help inform self builders. They also ran practical DIY seminars for home owners and provided information on energy saving techniques.

There are over 50 passive houses and at least 100 units with 'plus energy' standard (houses which produce more energy than they need) in Vauban, which is estimated to be one of the largest 'solar districts' in Europe. Solar panels and photovoltaic cells are common 'ornaments' on rooftops across all parts of the development.

The Students' Organisation built Vauban's largest single solar installation (143sq.m) on one of their refurbished old buildings. A solar power installation is also being built on the roof of the community car park. Together with the solar panels, a co-generation plant operating with wood chips and natural gas provides hot water and 65% of the electricity for the district. A water management system has been set up aiming to increase the rainwater infiltration and reduce the run-off.

The streets and public spaces at Vauban have been carefully planned. They are playgrounds for children and places for social interaction. The design of the public green spaces, streets and the neighbourhood centre at Vauban were developed during meetings and workshops with residents.

There are three main green spaces in the new district: the creek and its banks, the tree and shrub population along the central spine, and the undeveloped areas to the west end. Green corridors providing space for social activities (playgrounds, sun bathing areas, barbeque areas, water basins and pumps, seating areas) have been created between plots.

The neighbourhood and community structures and semi public areas (access galleries, community gardens and rooms) were created mainly by the Genova Housing Association and co-building projects.

Environment and community

The joint building projects (around 30 groups of co-builders, the Genova co-operative, the self organised SUSI) and Forum Vauban have aimed to create a balance in the living and working areas and a balance of social groups in Vauban. Social interaction is a key characteristic of the neighbourhood, and the resident participation during the development process has helped to set up a stable community and neighbourhood structure. This structure has also developed through the farmers market and cooperative food store initiatives.

The overall costs for buildings are much lower within a cohousing project than with a private developer. This has enabled people on lower incomes to become home owners. One of the objectives at Vauban was to be a child and family friendly district. By January 2002 more than 20% of the inhabitants were children under 10 years old. This has led to some problems with the demographic structure. The primary school has had to be expanded, and Vauban will soon need its third kindergarten. There are also potential conflicts for the district's social workers arising out of this one-sided age structure.

A district centre has been created at Vauban with shops, a primary school, kindergartens and public green spaces. Vauban has been designed to create a 'district of short distances' where the schools,  farmer's market, businesses, shopping centre, food coop, recreation areas and approximately 600 jobs will be within walking and cycling distance of residents.