DE 
High Contrast The future is
taking shape here
The Areal Nord is part of Freiburg’s Green Industry Park and is located in the immediate vicinity of the convention center and the airport. The 21-hectare site repurposes a long-abandoned area into up to 14 development lots, where high-tech companies from various industries will establish themselves.
The foundation for this is a master plan that combines economic and ecological considerations and sets new standards for better, future-proof industrial areas.
The Big Opportunity
The site offers an opportunity to rethink the concept of an industrial area and, above all, to bring it to life. As a result, the Areal Nord—as the brownfield site is now known—will serve as a proof of concept, that is, a prototype that demonstrates the feasibility of many innovative approaches.
The frame
Building Design
- Multi-story construction also for production buildings
- Integration of photovoltaic systems
- Master plan defines building volumes and heights
- A coherent urban landscape as the goal
Mobility
- Mobility hub with a central neighborhood parking garage
- A network of well-developed walking and biking paths
- Public transportation connections to the city ensured
- Promotion of alternative mobility solutions
Open spaces and nature
- A comprehensive open-space concept featuring green areas, street-side greenery, and tree-lined spaces
- Infiltration areas and the "sponge city" principle
- Compensation areas and protected habitats for species conservation
- Climate resilience incorporated into the plan
Infrastructure
- Shared Facilities
- Inter-company Collaborations for Added Value
- Process Waste Heat Feeds the District Heating Network
- Efficient and Resource-Conserving Land Use
What has happened so far
The Areal Nord is gaining momentum—and is already yielding its first concrete results. Here is an overview of the key milestones in its development to date.
- Strong demand+ -
The Areal Nord concept has generated significant interest. Approximately 80 percent of the available space has already been leased—in a short period of time and well ahead of the target year of 2030. The high demand demonstrates that the concept is a success. Companies recognize the quality of the…
More - Open space+ -
The green spaces on the site are currently being finalized: the landscaping, outdoor furniture, and wayfinding system have been finalized and are now being implemented. What began on paper is now taking shape—transforming the North Site into a place enriched by greenery, pathways, and green…
More
“The demand for the lots has surprised even us; sales are moving faster than expected. Our concept for the Areal Nord is a success.”
“The demand for the lots has surprised even us; sales are moving faster than expected. Our concept for the Areal Nord is a success.”
“The demand for the lots has surprised even us; sales are moving faster than expected. Our concept for the Areal Nord is a success.”
An industrial park that delivers more
The Areal Nord is different from most industrial and commercial areas.
It prioritizes sustainability, incorporates urban planning principles, and focuses on community-based approaches. It has the potential to become a model for other municipalities.
Green is part of it. Right from the start.
What is being created in the Areal Nord is not just a perfunctory attempt to create green space, but a green open space that offers significant benefits for everyone.
Proof of Concept
The concept for the Areal Nord is gaining traction - Intuitive Surgical is the first company to set up shop there, with more high-tech firms and research institutes set to follow soon.
Mobility that brings the area together
In the future, around 2,000 people will work in the North District—a challenge in terms of traffic. The multimodal mobility concept turns this into an opportunity to reduce traffic, increase green spaces, and foster collaboration among local stakeholders.