Konrad-Adenauer-Platz, Rheda-Wiedenbrück Old Town Atrium - The Wiedenbrück landscape window

Despite its relatively small size, Konrad-Adenauer-Platz is an important interface in the fabric of the old town, where an impressive change of perspective takes place as you pass through. Coming from the historic city center, passers-by pass through narrow eaves alleys across stone squares to the three-sided Konrad-Adenauer-Platz. The view, guided by the slope and the buildings open on one side, sweeps across the Emssee lake to the Flora Westfalica site. In the direction of the former garden show grounds, the viewer's sense of space changes unexpectedly - from sheltered urban confinement to a sublime view over the opening landscape. The same effect can also be experienced in the opposite direction. This experience at the interface in the transition between the contrasting areas is characterized by a tension that needs to be staged and made tangible.



SPACE CONCEPT AND CUSTOMIZATION

With the current design, the position of the furnishing elements and their height prevent a coherent experience of the square and its spatial edges. The defining visual references between the old town with St. Aegidius Church in the center and the nearby Steinhof Bridge as well as the structural elements of the park are interrupted. Several sculptures, trees, lights and the fountain are currently located within the visual axis between the church and the pavilion.



The present design proposes a reorganization of the elements that shape the square in order to create a broad visual axis that guides visitors and allows them to perceive the proximity between the old town and the park. The crosswalk as a transition from the old town is moved closer to the northern edge of the square, so that passers-by inevitably cross the visual axis. In addition, the resulting guideline should help to ease the traffic situation by creating a subtle zoning.



The differentiation of the floor materials also supports the legibility of the different areas of use. The square is framed by paving that picks up on the material of the future Mühlenwall and thus brings the rampart closer to the old town. This is where the faster traffic flows can be found. The interior of the square is calmed by its furnishings and is close to the ice cream parlor, which, along with the fountain, makes a significant contribution to enlivening the square. By demolishing the wall, the forecourt of the café becomes part of the square, which opens up to the Ems. Extensive seating steps allow people to linger by the water and enjoy an unobstructed view of the lake.



MATERIAL CONCEPT

The fountain will be retained as an important element for revitalizing the square. It will be moved slightly, reduced in height and supplemented to form a water ribbon. In this way, the fountain technology could continue to be used for the water ribbon made of warm sandstone. The bronze musician and the gargoyle will be retained and integrated into a contemporary design. The new fountain is located within a drainage strip that defines the low point of the square and accommodates the drainage facilities. The northern area near the ice cream parlor will become a recreational area and will primarily serve as a place for passers-by and café visitors to linger. The southern area is kept wide open and can be used for quick crossings.



The new Konrad-Adenauer-Platz is framed by the rumbled old town paving, which is to be used for the Mühlengraben in future. The interior of the square references the nearby town squares in terms of color and consists of natural stone slabs in iridescent shades of grey. The edgings of the tree grates also use this material, but their rough textured surface sets them apart from the paving. Wooden cushions provide a comfortable place to sit even on cold days. The square is bordered by a band of granite paving, echoing the decorative paving lines of the surrounding streetscape.



Three wooden pole lights play with the structuring beams of the timber framework and complement the atmospheric tree lighting within the tree grates.