a German perspective
"Unlike most other European countries Germany has a remarkably decentralised political, urban and economic structure. Whilst this encourages a strong local community and neighbourhood culture, this is to some extent counter-acted by a special affinity for the car, creating significant challenges for the creation of pedestrian and cycle friendly environments."
Gerry Hughes
President Europe
Avison Young
The concept of the 15-minute neighbourhood which seeks to enable the residents to meet most of their everyday needs locally and to therefore control car traffic, reduce CO2 emissions and strengthen communities, is increasingly under consideration in Germany.
Germany is already a significantly decentralised country with a strong sense of neighbourhood, reinforced by the concept of Mittelstand – small-medium sized businesses – often family owned, at the heart of the economy.
This decentraliation is also evident in services, culture and shopping. German high streets and local city centers – unlike in most other European countries still feel comparatively distinctive with a wider range of independent shops, cultural facilities and community services. This helps bring greater resilience to the local high street and to engender a strong sense of local pride.
But even in Germany some towns and districts, especially those in less prosperous regions have seen a significant decline in footfall in these highstreets and increasing shop closures in recent years. As in other European countries we are seeing response that involves the introduction of a greater mix of uses.1
However, a major challenge for the 15-minute neighbourhood in Germany is without doubt the need to manage the car- even as electric vehicles become more popular. A strong car culture has a major impact on the urban fabric of German towns and cities, creating real challenges for improved pedestrian / cyclist facilities and environments.
Nonetheless, towns and cities in Germany have begun many initiatives to encourage more cycling in urban centers or to encourage the use of public transport. Often the focus is not on excluding vehicles completely, but rather on providing facilities for all modes of transport. Berlin, for example, has reacted with pop-up cycle lanes, which are now often becoming permanent.2
At Avison Young we seek to support our advice with a deep understanding of the place – the city, the town or the neighbourhood, including all influences that impact real estate. This is the same in Germany as it is elsewhere.
Understanding the impact of such a decentralised political, economic, and cultural context and the role and importance of neighbourhoods in Germany is critical when we are advising our clients. It is distinctive from Anglo-Saxon societies in particular, and requires a bespoke response in the advice we provide.
See what's trending next
Footnotes
1 https://www.dabonline.de/2020/12/28/nach-dem-einzelhandel-neue-ideen-innenstaedte-laden-sterben-geschaefte-corona/ 2 https://www.berlin.de/tourismus/infos/verkehr/nachrichten/6316962-4357821-gericht-pop-up-radwege-in-berlin-duerfen.html
