Redesign of streets and squares in Höchstädt a. d. Donau Market place and castle surroundings

Within the framework of an urban planning realisation and ideas competition, the town of Höchstädt was looking for new impulses for the development of its centre. Our competition entry was awarded 1st prize and served as a template for the following realisation phases. A proactive citizen participation ensured the acceptance of the adjacent businesses and residents.

The central tasks of the 1st construction phase were the design consolidation of the areas around the parish church, the new kindergarten and crèche with a changed course of the Kirchgasse and the creation of a new car park. With a uniform, high-quality surfacing concept, which clearly differs from the other surfaces, the Duchess-Anna-Strasse (St 2033) was redesigned from the old town area redesigned in the 1st BA in a 2nd BA as the central connection from the market square to the castle.

The square-like design at the foot of the castle with new castle info is the eastern entrance to the historic town area in the direction of the church and market square. The Lower Gate, also known as the Danube Gate or Wertingen Gate, built on this site in 1529, once formed the eastern entrance to the town. Two new stelae made of CorTen steel today remind of the gate, which stood at this place until its demolition in 1902.

By the barrier-free laying of granite paving in the state road (without steps and curbs), the street recedes in its importance in favor of the square effect. To reorganize all traffic and uses for a better 'coexistence', the road width of the St2033 in the planning area was reduced to 6.50 meters and a combined sidewalk and bike path with roadside tree alley was created. Two bus parking spaces were provided for visitors to the castle and amenity areas were created in the area of the castle info.

The lighting at the market square was continued via Bachgasse and Herzogin-Anna-Strasse to the square at the foot of the castle with wall luminaires and the square at the foot of the castle was staged by means of light displays in the castle info.