Five thousand residents. That’s how many people call Vauban home. This vibrant Freiburg neighborhood wasn’t always so lively. It began as a French military base. A stark contrast to the eco-friendly community it is today.
Vauban. The name itself evokes images of formidable fortifications. Sebastien Le Prestre de Vauban a 17th-century French marshal designed Freiburg’s star-shaped defenses. Ironically his name now graces a neighborhood built on the principles of sustainability and peace. The former military base housed French troops after World War II. They left in 1992. The abandoned buildings became a haven for hippies and anarchists. They clashed with the city government. Eventually squatters won rights to several barracks. Some even lived in repurposed vehicles creating the unique Wagenplatz.
Simultaneously a group called Forum Vauban pressed the city council for an eco-friendly development plan. The city acquired the land. They delegated community consultation to Forum Vauban. This collaboration resulted in Vauban’s car-free concept. Many plots were sold to community-led housing groups. These groups prioritized families children older people and Freiburg residents. Some groups even included architects and self-builders. Other plots went to private developers. A section was dedicated to student dormitories for the University of Freiburg.
Other projects adapted old barracks. S.U.S.I. a self-governing residential initiative created affordable housing and student spaces. A community center was established in a preserved barracks. In 2005 some former barracks were occupied to prevent demolition.
Vauban’s transport is primarily by foot or bicycle. The tram connects it to Freiburg’s city center. Homes are within walking distance of stops. Car ownership is low. Many homes are built to low-energy standards. 100 units meet the Passivhaus ultra-low energy standard. Wood chip-burning combined heat and power stations provide heat. Many buildings have solar collectors or photovoltaic cells. The Solar Settlement a 59-unit PlusEnergy community generates more energy than it consumes. It’s a world-first. The surplus energy is sold back to the city’s grid.
Vauban is a testament to community collaboration. It’s a model of sustainable living. It shows how a former military base can transform into a thriving eco-friendly neighborhood. It’s proof that even a car-free environment can thrive. It showcases what community involvement and vision can achieve.