Reclaiming urban spaces in Hamburg

The text reviews the book *Hamburg – Positions, Plans, Projects: Building Urban Spaces*, edited by Olaf Bartels. It presents Hamburg as a significant example of “inner growth”, based on the redevelopment of former harbour, industrial and railway areas. The city is preparing for demographic growth through major urban projects such as HafenCity, the “Leap across the Elbe”, Kleiner Grasbrook, Science City Hamburg Bahrenfeld and Oberbillwerder. The main focus is the creation of new urban spaces through densification, mixed uses, public space quality and infrastructural reconnection. Particular attention is given to the *Magistralen*, the arterial corridors linking the city centre with the peripheries. These are interpreted not only as traffic infrastructures, but also as potential lines of urban development. The review also highlights the role of public transport, cycling networks, railway stations and public spaces in shaping everyday urban life. In the final part, participation emerges as an important planning dimension, through tools such as urban workshops, PlanBude and the International Bauforum. Overall, Hamburg is described as a possible model for contemporary urban planning: not based on large-scale demolition, but on gradual, adaptive transformations that combine preservation, addition and improvement of urban quality. The pandemic is briefly mentioned as a moment that revealed both the fragility and the continuing relevance of dense, green and flexible urban environments.