Oswaldplatz in Neuburg an der Donau is located in the lower old town within the historic fortifications. It marks the entrance to the city center and also serves as a traffic hub. Clarifying urban interventions activate the public space and lead to an upgrading of the open spaces as development impulses for the retail trade. By reducing road cross-sections to a necessary minimum and reorganizing stationary traffic, the quality for pedestrians and cyclists can be improved and several small squares can be formulated and designed throughout the planning area. The overall concept of lines and points is also reflected in the greenery and lighting concept. Lights embedded in the ground define the boundaries of the square even at night, the arcades in Münchnerstraße are equipped with a strip of light, and important intersections are fitted with floodlight columns.
The architectural concept for Oswaldplatz is to bring the original size of the historic square to life. Two rows of trees illuminated from below on two natural stone bands define and calm the heterogeneous edges of the square. This bracket is supported by uniform flooring. The “development island” is contrasted by a topographical “square island” that counters the natural slope and forms a threshold to the area of heaviest traffic with a set of steps. A service building for multifunctional uses is positioned at the center of the square. A fountain and pavilion form a design unit.
invited competition,
1st prize, 2001
Client:
Stadt Neuburg a.d. Donau
Total area:
20.000 m²
Project team:
Kathrin Grumböck
Sabine Kroupa
Pictures:
© Herbert Schwingenschlögl
© Veit Aschenbrenner