More buzz, less hum Mühlentorplatz in Mönchengladbach-Rheindahlen

The redesign of Mühlentorplatz is based on a fundamental reorganisation of motorised traffic in the area surrounding the square. The number of parking spaces is reduced, the edges of the square are largely freed from traffic, the existing greenery is strengthened and new green structures are added. The weekly market will be moved from the car park to the representative and spacious square area at the foot of the mighty church of St. Helena.

The traffic routing across the square - or past the square - will be subordinated in all areas. It is largely one-way traffic, with minimal lane widths and reduced speeds. The roadways are paved, the transitions to the edge facilities and square areas are without thresholds. The parking spaces on the underground car park are moved as far as possible to the north, the southern

parking space edge moves a few metres to the north, the market square gains more space.

In future, the entire Mühlentorplatz will extend all the way round to the facades of the adjacent buildings. A homogeneous pavement calms the overall situation and clearly defines the space as a square. The inlay-like staging of the market place in the south formally emphasizes the new center of the Mühlentorplatz. For the surface, the basalt paving obtained from the deconstruction is reused and laid in bonded construction with low barriers. The parking lot becomes a three-dimensional object on the square with a strong green border.

The Karee from 15 cut plane trees in the southwest is maintained as a high-quality place to stay and emphasizes the important focal point of the Mühlentorplatz at the foot of the church and at

the junction of the pedestrian zone. The car park will be enclosed with raised beds. The planting with grasses, perennials and espalier trees hides the cars and moves the green into the perception of the citizens.

The lighting differentiates between more functional and more atmospheric areas. The plaza areas, which serve as a place to spend time, are emphasized, while the traffic areas are illuminated in a standard-compliant but restrained manner. High-quality seating increases the quality of stay in three important areas of the square. The Platanenkarree will be equipped with round benches, in front of the pharmacy in the east benches of different lengths will be placed facing the market place, along the northern edge of the market place the altogether 30 meters long "Stadtsofa" will be placed.