Urban areas are affected by negative environmental impacts such as poor air quality, noise, and the consequences of climate change such as extreme weather events and heat. The intensity of these environmental impacts is influenced by the urban spatial structure and the density of the built-up area. For example, a high degree of soil sealing increases the flooding risk. The probability of extreme weather events such as heavy rainfall or heat waves has increased in different regions in Germany and often affects cities more than the suburban areas, which are usually characterized by open spaces, or rural areas. Reduced ventilation in urban areas also leads to an increased concentration of pollutants. Noise, particularly from road traffic, but also from industry and trade, places an additional burden on neighborhoods and their residents.

Using case studies, the brochure illustrates how administrations as well as public and private actors can develop urban neighborhoods with adapted structural, planning, instrumental and procedural approaches in order to improve the quality of life and the environment. In recent years, existing neighborhoods in particular have become increasingly important as a spatial reference level: Here, the above-mentioned challenges and diverse usage interests overlap in a small area. Due to their small-scale structure and neighborly relationships, these districts also offer very good conditions for cooperation between different stakeholders and can therefore serve as an experimental space for different approaches.

The authors outline typical types of urban structures that exist in many cities in terms of their specific characteristics and their vulnerability to environmental impacts. On this basis, 15 exemplary neighborhoods from different cities are presented in which measures to improve environmental quality have been implemented. The findings from the analysis of the case studies are summarized in an overview. Finally, technical and instrumental recommendations show how existing neighborhoods can be improved towards more resilience. Urban systems are resilient when they are able to react to crises and adapt to them at the same time.