As part of the feasibility study, with an interdisciplinary team of urban planners, transportation and open space planners, AS+P has come up with a structural urban planning concept for the development of an integrated element of the city on a covered section of the A40. The initial use as an Olympic village will be the driving force behind and create a clear identity. The focus, however, will be on devising a sustainable future development that will offer long-term value added for Essen and the adjacent quarters. To complement this, plans include alongside a range of different housing types, accompanying public amenities, services and offices. In response to the surrounding neighborhoods and points of reference, three quarters are envisaged, each offering a different quality of life. A thoroughfare widened out at specific points to form active parkland forms the connecting backbone. Two towers mark the relevant gateways. Above the traffic flow channeled under the covered section, on the surface there is thus more space for appealing housing along with bicycle tracks and footpaths. The existing tram stops will be integrated, making for outstanding public transport links. At the same time, the fact that the area is one long line covering 2.3 km represents both a challenge and an opportunity as far as the Olympic function is concerned – to demonstrate innovative approaches to a modern Olympic and Paralympic village. Overcoming the barrier that is the A40, creating new housing and open spaces plus improving the air quality make this new development a valuable and trailblazing future-oriented assignment for Essen.