Research
We combine research and development for a future worth living in the city centre.
How are city centres changing? What factors influence their future? And what role do multifunctional buildings play in this?
To this end, the Midstad team – together with various universities – has initiated a comprehensive research initiative for the further development of the city centre. Empirical studies and verifiable findings play a key role in city centre property development for the future. This is precisely where facts need to be identified in order to understand the interdependencies of city-centre living and devise evidence-based strategies. We are in the centre of the action.
Expertise
We conduct research for the city of tomorrow and develop buildings for your future.
Initiator for development – going further together.
The joint research activities carried out by Midstad, the EBS University of Business and Law and the Technical University of Darmstadt focus on the future development of the city centre. A unique and pioneering project that integrates different expertise, diverse research content and competences on this topic. The group's work focuses on transparency for social change processes and empirical recommendations for action. The objectives are:
- Creating awareness of the status quo of city centre transformation
- Optimising certainty for political decisions in the area of project development
- Shaping social discourse on the future of city centres
The Midstad Way
We create space for a diverse range of needs.
Team Midstad
Understanding cities, strengthening resilience.
Cities are at the core of our coexistence. At the same time, they are the hubs of a globalised economy. But city centres are currently undergoing dynamic structural change. There is a lack of resilience to these changes. The focus on shopping and consumption that has characterised city centres for decades is fading into the background. The reason for this is a noticeable change in people’s needs and lifestyles. This is a new reality to which inner-city properties must adapt in order to remain attractive. Our Midstad Way is an evidence-based strategy for project development in urban areas. At the same time, the Midstad Way shows new ways for sustainable and vibrant city centres.
Effect: Our Midstad Way works from the centre out, with a positive impact on the urban environment.
Change: The Midstad Way provides a scientific basis for long-term city-centre transformation.
Multifunctionality: Each individual Midstad property focuses on a variety of services.
Individuality: Our Midstad properties offer flexible solutions for every city and its people.
Participation: Midstad promotes “getting involved” – people become part of the change process
Insights at a glance – focus on urban change
Vibrant cities have always been a driving force for innovation, commerce and progress. An important factor in this is the “Power of Places” principle, which describes why and how physical spaces can have a positive effect on their surroundings. Property projects that integrate this principle can help to transform cities. Each of our Midstad properties is based on this principle. They consolidate the power of the physical environment with innovative architecture and needs-focused spaces to draw people closer. They hit the nerve of a city and its people.
Our goal is to get the heart of urban centres beating by creating properties that promote life, conversations, and personal encounters. For each project, we focus on space concepts that are geared to the needs of the location in urban areas. We analyse the local conditions and create suitable offers with our Midstad properties, from work to leisure, from gastronomy to shopping, and from education to sports. As multi-functional buildings, they provide concrete options for versatile and flexible uses, draw people in, and strengthen a personal connection to the city centre.
The trend in the commercial property market is moving away from long-term leases toward more short-term contracts and utilisation cycles. The answer to this development is buildings with flexible use concepts. Our experts analyse the relevant framework conditions in this context. Your insights are the basis for the concrete development of buildings and our Midstad properties. At the same time, our research-based approach forms the basis for a letting concept with optimum third-party usability and good lettability.
“Our research initiative on the transformation of the city centre provides an in-depth understanding of the causal relationships of structural change, and will make an evidence-based contribution to developing use concepts for buildings that bring life back to city centres.”
Dr. Benjamin Wagner, Head of ESG & Innovation
„Vibrant use secures the future of the city centre. This requires an inviting atmosphere and a wide range of offers for everyone.“
Florian Grafen, Senior Project Developer
„City centres have always been attractive. With multifunctional buildings that inspire people in a variety of ways, we have the chance to rekindle this magic.”
Bea Steindor, Head of Marketing & Communications
„The buildings of tomorrow rely on a user-centric perspective, with spaces and offerings that encourage sharing and collaboration while enabling focused work.”
Yasmine Amrabate, Team Lead Asset Management
“Flexible use concepts can make our city centres resilient. But to develop these concepts, gut feeling is not enough. Well-founded research is needed to develop viable solutions.”
Dr. Kevin Meyer, Managing Director Midstad
“Capital is essential to any transformation of city centres. Property owners play a crucial role in this. After all, they will only invest if they can secure long-term returns.”
Dr. Jan Linsin, Head of Research der CBRE Deutschland GmbH