YOUR FORUM FOR PLAY, SPORTS UND LEISURE AREAS
The planning phase of the Konrad-Adenauer-Platz redesign in Langenfeld (Rhineland) began with a participatory process and continued with the implementation phase until the beginning of 2021. The result is an attractive, green and barrier-free town square that meets a variety of usage requirements and contributes to improving the microclimate and promoting biodiversity.
Context and initial situation
Konrad-Adenauer-Platz is one of the central locations in downtown Langenfeld, directly adjacent to the town hall and an important part of the city's open space network. Various services, gastronomy and retail are offered around the square. On the upper levels, residences have priority. Towards the north-west, the square opens up towards the town hall parking lot and Theodor-Heuss-Strasse. The square area is partially underbuilt with an underground car park.
The reason for the redesign was based on technical, functional and design deficits of the square. The objectives of the redesign included the improvement of the quality of stay, a new structure of the square and ensuring barrier-free accessibility. In addition, the public square should meet a wide range of usage requirements (recreational areas, play and exercise areas, areas for gastronomy, etc.). To achieve these goals, one measure was to green the square by planting trees, grasses and perennials, thus creating a "garden character". In addition, there was the concern to support the improvement of the microclimate (unsealed areas, water surface, vegetation) as well as the promotion of biodiversity (suitable vegetation) through targeted measures.
The planning area consists of the central square area, the entrance area to Theodor-Heuss-Strasse and Kurt-Schumacher-Strasse (access to the City Gallery).
Planning process
The planning and implementation phases took place in close cooperation with the city of Langenfeld, the responsible offices and other project participants.
It was important to those responsible in the city to conduct a transparent participation process in which the public is involved from the very beginning. At the beginning of the planning process, an ideas workshop was held with the citizens of Langenfeld. Initial ideas and design options were discussed. The ideas were then transferred into three concepts. These were presented to the public at a second event (planning workshop), jointly discussed and improved. The results/ideas of the two workshops were incorporated into the further planning process. The aim was to combine and harmonise the wishes of the citizens with technical and design requirements of the redesign.
The new Konrad Adenauer Square
One highlight of the new centre of the square is the "mosaic carpet" of small-format paving stones in different shades of grey, bordered by a large-format band of flagstones. The centre is further strengthened and highlighted by the preservation of the existing and addition of further plane trees along the longitudinal edges of the square. Existing height differences were levelled to guarantee accessibility. With the spacious and attractive seating area and the new water feature, this area is now a meeting place which invites its visitors to stay and linger. In the southern area, space is available for outdoor catering. The square is connected to the town hall car park and the wider surroundings via a spacious construction of stairs and ramps.
To the north, facing Theodor-Heuss-Strasse, a spacious entrance area is created with various playground devices which functions as an activity and exercise area. Kurt-Schumacher-Street in the south serves as a passage and connection to the City Gallery.
“Islands" of different sizes and designs are distributed throughout the planning area, loosening up the square area with their amorphous form. They are designed as "plant islands" for grasses and perennials, as tree-covered raised beds with seating walls on the underground area (underground car park) or as wooden seating and lounging platforms.
The "water island" provides fun and refreshment during the summer months with a shallow pool, an area of over 30 fog jets and water flowing evenly over the "island" and its edges. The "water island" is unique, designed and built especially for the square, down to the smallest detail. In the evening hours, when the last rays of sunlight hit Konrad-Adenauer-Platz, the combination of light, shadow and mist creates a very special atmosphere.
In the northern area, two "islands" provide space for play. One is designed as a "classic" sand play area with a roofed sand construction site, mini slide and seating elements, and the other is equipped with an interactive play arch. With its yellow appearance and height of over three metres, it immediately attracts attention and is an eye-catcher that can be seen even from far away. In detail, it is an interactive sound play device that functions intuitively and can be used by people of different ages. At the touch of a button, different games/activities can be selected, such as an obstacle course or dance competition.
Vegetation and equipment
As the square is largely underbuilt with an underground car park, it was a technical challenge to provide it with as much greenery as possible due to the reduced substrate layer. This was solved by designing the "islands" as "raised beds" and selecting site-specific vegetation. In addition to site-specific factors, ecological and climatic factors were also taken into account when selecting the vegetation. The planting is composed of grasses such as deer grass, snow marble and feather grass as well as perennials such as common yarrow, meadowsweet and white wood aster. Plane trees, French maple and various dogwood species were chosen for the tree plantings.
Furthermore, there are bicycle racks, a drinking water fountain and a public bookcase as well as a guidance system for people with limited mobility. For adequate lighting and an associated increased sense of safety, mast lights are distributed over the square area in the dark. The seating walls of the "raised bed islands" are highlighted and illuminated by LED strips.
Summary
Many inner-city squares no longer meet the current and future requirements of use and design. Through its redesign, Konrad-Adenauer-Platz has succeeded in meeting these demands and has created added value for the citizens and visitors of Langenfeld. The inner-city area around the town hall has been clearly upgraded, the changes are visible and tangible. The square is greened in various forms, be it with trees, grasses, perennials or a combination of this vegetation. It is barrier-free, clearly structured, well arranged and has unique highlights such as the "water island".
Konrad-Adenauer-Platz has become a lively meeting place for young and old, offers opportunities for all age groups and promotes social and community togetherness. The people of Langenfeld have contributed significantly to this project with their ideas.
