The German North Sea coast is under increasing pressure from climate risks. More frequent storm surges, rising sea levels, growing salinisation, and persistently waterlogged soils are visibly reshaping habitats, infrastructures, and coastal landscapes.

The aim of this design studio is to conceive the German North Sea coast as a “Living Coast”, a dynamic, coherent coastal territory composed of different coastal types (Wadden Sea coast, barrier-island coast, marsh coast, estuarine coast, and selected special conditions) and their respective living environments. By working on specific sites and developing a long-term strategic perspective, we strengthen ecosystems while simultaneously shaping healthy and safe spaces for people.

The core focus is the design of transitions between land and water. Where can water go? Where does it need space? How can places be continued and transformed so they can live with water rather than permanently resisting it?

Concretely, we develop a set of spatial principles, prioritised transformation areas, high-quality prototypes, and a strategic implementation logic, elaborated across different scales and linked into a coherent framework.

We build on existing design knowledge and work with familiar architectural tools (plan, section, typology, urban space and landscape space, and construction) while expanding the toolkit through a territorial spatial framework (a guiding spatial vision), scenario-based design approaches, and actor diagrams to sharpen design as a spatial-strategic practice in coastal territories.

Selected outcomes will be presented as independent positions in an exhibition at the Bremer Zentrum für Baukultur. This studio offers the opportunity to work with architectural and urban design methods on one of the region’s key future challenges.