Climate resilience: Spa town as blueprint in urban climate protection

Dissertation Maximilian Grimm

Cure city of Cannstatt – Development of the spa metropolis

Green infrastructure: We don't have to reinvent the eco-city from scratch

There are some predecessors. Traditional spa towns are early examples of green, climate-friendly and livable urban development. Spa towns with their facilities from the 18th-20th centuries today should be role models for urban planning in context of climate change and health. But they are not. Gray infrastructure such as industrial wasteland is transformed into urban green, heat islands are cooled, vertical and horizontal greening is applied, heat is reflected by white infrastructure. But a reference to the place and its history as a genius loci is missing in many places. The present contribution "Cure city of Cannstatt" addresses urban green spaces in historical and current development. The thesis brought a wealth of suggestions for further development. Basically, the following should apply: Instead of small patchwork with no connection or effect on environment, rather real green lungs should be created, such as networked parks with tall trees, more unsealed areas and preferably an urban forest. In order to visualize this, an overall art concept is recommended.

Blue infrastructure: Stuttgart has one of the largest mineral well systems in Europe

Water creates life and refreshes. But where is the visible water, e.g. as a stream through the old town? Or such as the Munich Eisbach in the park. In 1792, Dr. Frösner invented the river spa in Cannstatt. Industry prevailed until the 20th century and the Neckar was so badly polluted by 1950 that the river baths had to disappear. As before, Cannstatt remains far behind its potential, just based on the natural abundance of water. Despite difficult challenges, the district within the city of Stuttgart is listed among the state-recognized health resorts in Germany and continues to have official spa status. An expansion of the blue infrastructure is more than advised. There is no plan B, but maybe a plan big spa town.

White infrastructure : A spa can be a city

Cannstatt is the historic mother town (Greek 'metropolis') of Stuttgart and was united with the state capital of Baden-Württemberg in 1905. The mineral springs have been bubbling up and people have been visiting them in primeval times. The Romans used the healing spring water, as did later settlers. In the 19th century, Cannstatt finally was developed into an international health resort, appropriate spa facilities were created and the cure (Lat. 'cura') attracted numerous guests from abroad and from the nobility to the Neckar valley. The oldest and most populous district of Stuttgart since the 20th century is known for its industrial economic power and also as a car city. Nevertheless, Stuttgart is green. In near future, sustainable investments should be made. White spa architecture is not senile, but an inspiring source. Today there is great potential for the development of a spa metropolis, since Cannstatt also means: a spa can be a city! The town name is a speaking name, an aptonym. Climate-resilient measures with green, blue and white infrastructure are healthy urbanization of the future and do make a city worth living. Three milestones on the way to metropolitan development.

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