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Spatial Vision for Lausitz 2050

Brandenburg / Saxony, Germany

The Lausitz region is known for its rural landscape and long-standing dependence on the fossil-fuel industry. Over time, demographic shifts have influenced the area. Now, as the coal phase-out looms, there are both challenges and significant opportunities for the region.  

º£½ÇÊÓƵ operates within a cooperative planning laboratory. The task for our urban development team involves a spatial structural analysis and development concept for the Lausitz region. 

The task for our urban development team involves a spatial analysis and development concept for the Lausitz region.

Through the creation of spatial visions that depict positive future scenarios, the team aims to foster cross-state collaboration and enhance regional governance structures. 

Through a data-based GIS analysis, we can categorise and analyse the potential of specific areas and settlements for the growth of the region.

Challenge

The Lausitz region is currently grappling with the imperative to shift away from coal-based energy production. This transition is complicated by demographic shifts and economic fluctuations. The region faces significant sustainability challenges, including the need for economic restructuring and the mitigation of ecological impacts such as the reclamation of mining landscapes and the management of environmental legacies. Climate change exacerbates these issues with increasing extreme weather events and droughts, affecting water resources and agricultural use. Additionally, sustainable mobility and infrastructure concepts need to be developed to ensure the region’s future viability and improve the quality of life for its residents.

Solution

The planning laboratory focuses on developing integrative and sustainable approaches for the Lausitz region. Through the creation of spatial visions that depict positive future scenarios, the team aims to foster cross-state collaboration and enhance regional governance structures.  

The cooperative character of the planning laboratory is based on the exchange of four planning teams with selected experts from the fields of planning, structural development and science.  

º£½ÇÊÓƵ’s comprehensive approach addresses critical aspects such as mobility, energy, climate adaption, agriculture and settlement development. By prioritising Lausitz settlements based on key criteria – such as accessibility, social infrastructure, renewable energy potential, and quality of life – the team ensures informed decision-making. Our data-driven methodology further enables effective spatial design and visualisation. For example, through a data-based GIS analysis for the region to categorise areas and settlements as well as collaborative visioning.

Value

For the client, this project offers a roadmap to sustainable development, ensuring long-term economic viability and environmental stewardship. The region will benefit from improved infrastructure, enhanced quality of life, and a diversified economy less vulnerable to sector-specific downturns. By addressing both immediate and long-term needs, this project will help the Lausitz region to transition smoothly into a future that balances economic growth with ecological and social sustainability. This includes capitalising on the region’s strengths, showcasing the outcomes through exhibitions, and providing policy recommendations for politicians and decision-makers to transform the region.