He came to Duisburg on 27 February 2007 to present his Masterplan of the Duisburg city centre to local politicians and the city's administration in person. Eighteen months previously he had been commissioned to devise the Duisburg Masterplan by committed Duisburgers and with the financial support of local business people dedicated to the city's sustainable future.

Having scrutinized the existing situation "and having found an extraordinarily large amount of open spaces", Foster proceeded to seek urban planning solutions.

Three key issues were identified:

1. Traffic: sustainable mobility solutions enhancing public transport and cycling are required
   
2. Buildings: the density of buildings should be increased
   
3. Public domain: the status of public spaces needs upgrading

Since the car no longer plays a significant role in the proposed inner-city traffic concept, the existing traffic space should be cut back by 30%. To accomplish the required density at the city's core, Lord Foster is sure that 10% more buildings would suffice. Foster and his team identified 45 derelict spaces in the total of 2,7 square kilometres of land they examined. Converting these to appropriate uses is necessary. In addition, upgrading public spaces would entail making them more attractive by introducing more greens and parks.

A major focus of the Foster plan is on the historic city centre surrounding City Hall and the church, Salvatorkirche. Traditionally, this core is characterized by three enclosed squares called "Alter Markt", "Burgplatz" and a square behind the church. Due to a culmination of damage caused by World War II and a variety of subsequent planning measures, these spaces have forfeited their urban character. "Burgplatz" has been relegated to the status of a car park, "Alter Markt" is hardly frequented as a sight-to-see and the square behind Salvatorkirche has deteriorated into a lawn for walking the dog.

Foster's plan endeavours to dissolve the present-day state and convert the area along the lines of the historic situation. It envisages space being provided for the cars now parking on "Burgplatz" in a garage below the square's surface. By constructing new buildings along Poststraße and at the corner of Schwanenstraße and Kuhstraße, Burgplatz would be an enclosed space once again. Increasing urban density by new buildings would also add to the urbanity of "Alter Markt".

Foster's team paid special attention to creating a better link between the city's main station and the high street, Königsstraße. At present people walk out of the station straight into the Friederich-Wilhelm Straße. Using structural interventions people could be re-directed to Königsstraße via Averdunkplatz.

Foster could envisage the link between the Inner Harbour and Königsstraße being improved via Kuhlenwall and Springwall, lined by a canal.

As Principal Mayor Sauerland is convinced "this Masterplan is an enormous chance for Duisburg". He thanked the sponsors whose support made the Masterplan possible. He also expressed his gratitude to all the Duisburg experts who helped Foster's team and whose knowledge has also been incorporated in the plan.

Initial reactions to the Masterplan by its sponsors have been enthusiastic. Professor Michael Cesarz of Metro Group Asset Management believes that the Masterplan provides investors with a good deal of certainty. Axel Funke, CEO of Multi Development, feels reinforced in his conviction that Duisburg is the most underestimated city in the Ruhr valley. Thomas Hüttemann, regional Chamber of Industry and Commerce president, chimed in that the city would lead the way in the region if it implemented the Masterplan. Dieter Steffen, former CEO and consultant to the Duisburg Inner Harbour Development Agency, reflecting on his experiences gathered during 15 years of implementing the Foster masterplan for the Inner Harbour, put it in a nutshell: "One must have a vision in order to change reality."

The day after the first public airing of the the Masterplan by Lord Foster himself, Duisburg's citizens had the opportunity to familiarize themselves with it at City Hall. Professor Behling, senior partner at Foster+Partners, explained to more than 200 interested citizens the potential for change in the city's centre. His vivid presentation was interrupted more than once by encouraging responses from the thrilled audience. The ideas of Foster+Partners were subsequently discussed at the model of the new city centre.

The City of Duisburg plans to hold further information events in future. More details on this will be given in due course.


Disclaimer concerning the copyright for photographs by Foster+Partners

The three picture files may be used for reporting, provided the copyright appears as follows:

Pictures no. 1 and no. 2 of the Masterplan: Foster and Partners Drawing of the Masterplan Duisburg

3: Narinder Sagoo/Foster and Partners