With its 55,000 inhabitants; the town of Bad Homburg is deemed an attractive spa town offering an excellent quality of life. Nestling at the foot of the Taunus hills and part of the Frankfurt-Rhine-Main metropolitan region, Bad Homburg has good regional links, is home to the headquarters of several important firms, has a sound economic structure, and also boasts ample parklands and spaces for nature lovers. That said its location in the region is both an opportunity and a challenge as Bad Homburg also faces increasing pressure on the housing market and a spike in rents. The high density of jobs also occasions a high level of commuting with around 28,000 incoming and 12,500 outgoing commuters. In addition to specific statements on the careful expansion of available housing the concept also includes aspects relating to the countryside and municipal transport concepts, amongst other things.
In evolving an overall urban development concept, the focus is on an integrated approach to all the relevant topics such as housing, mobility, work and leisure. The aim is to identify complex planning processes, interlinkages and also conflicts as early as possible and develop interdisciplinary solutions. By defining key objectives, strategies, and measures at both a spatial and programmatic level it will be possible to arrive at a comprehensive long-term vision for the town’s future direction. AS+P is currently working with a team of urban planners, urban development architects, transport planners and landscape planners on the “Bad Homburg 2030” integrated urban development concept. Developing the specialist content for the concept will go hand in hand with broad-based participation of locals and specific players of relevance.