HOHENWESTEDT
REVITALIZING HOHENWESTEDT'S TOWN CENTER
The master plan for Hohenwestedt’s town center aims to transform the central “Am Markt” square into a vibrant, attractive, and future-oriented urban space. By introducing new spatial edges, clear sightlines, and well-connected pathways, the project creates a dynamic public realm that blends seamlessly into its surroundings. At the heart of the transformation is the redesign of the central square as a multifunctional and identity-defining space. The relocation of the Aldi market introduces new spatial structures, allowing for a sustainable traffic and usage strategy. With parking solutions relocated to the rear, the square is largely freed from car traffic, prioritizing pedestrians and cyclists through the creation of an expansive shared-space zone. This redesign fosters an accessible and safe urban environment for all.
A defining feature of the project is the “Green Ribbon”, a continuous landscape connection that links key locations such as the church, train station, and retail areas through an integrated network of pathways. More than just a functional axis, this green corridor introduces climate-responsive and ecologically valuable plantings, enhancing biodiversity while contributing to the aesthetic and environmental quality of the town center.
The project places a strong emphasis on flexibility and diversity in both program and architecture. The new buildings along Itzehoer Straße and the northern gateway are designed to complement the existing urban fabric in both scale and function. Ground floors will accommodate retail, services, and gastronomy, while upper floors provide space for residential, office, and community uses. A kindergarten, innovatively positioned on the rooftop of the Aldi market, exemplifies how multifunctional urban solutions are integrated into the plan.
The redesigned square is further animated through a diverse landscape program, featuring a water play area, a café, terraces, a retention space, and an open-air auditorium. This multifunctional design supports a variety of activities—from weekly markets and seasonal festivals to ice skating in the winter—turning the space into a central hub for social life in Hohenwestedt. By reinforcing the town’s identity and fostering an inclusive, lively atmosphere, the revitalization of the town center will create a lasting impact for the community.
Program: Urban Development and public space
Size: aprox. 5 Ha
Location: Hohenwestedt, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany
Client: Municipality of Hohenwestedt
Collaborators: Thomas Høvsgaard Vejsnæs, Landscape architect
Type: 1st prize competition
Team: Henning Stüben, Heechan Park, Rosa Fuentes Fernandez, Lea Göhner, Narcisa Ionita, Jieun Kim, Gaspar Cánepa, Borja Santurino
