Authors: Sharon Denisse Guerrero Sanchez, Monika Kinga Przybylo, Ekrem Ilter and Selma Juana Schulte-Frohlinde.
The east site of Lake Zunch - historically known as the Golden Coast - is facing increasing pressure from a housing shortage and low vacancy rates, leading to densification and the •popcorn effect," where buildings expand their footprints and gradually eliminate courtyards and backyards. Although the area contains many green spaces, these are often ecologically poor, fragmented, and lacking biodiversity. This project proposes to strengthen ecological quality and connectivity by linking major ecosystems - the forest, the botanical garden, and the lake edge - with smaller public and private green areas. Ecological corridors will allow fauna, flora, and organic matter to move continuously across the landscape. The Hornbach stream forms the main corridor, with Interventions along its course from forest to lake, moved further by wind-valley strategies and the greening of streets. At the same time, a circular system for organic waste is introduced, where waste is transformed into shared soil and fertilizer in the Soil Common to further support community gardens and local ecosystems. By improving ecological performance and encouraging residents to care for and reclaim their green spaces, we aim to counterbalance densification while creating a biodiverse urban environment.