Prinzenplatz Kamp-Lintfort Redesign of the Prinzenplatz including the adjacent urban spaces

Today's Prinzenplatz was a spatial fragment at the edge of Kamp-Lintfort's inner city in the urbanistically problematic transition to a local bypass without development. Due to the extreme heterogeneity of the architectural edges, only an open space with a strong design gesture in the center could achieve the desired urban identity.

By greatly reducing existing copses and planting areas, a solitary island could be formed from four existing plane trees as the center of the square. It has an oval ground plan and is raised from the surrounding square level by a wide block step, so that it offers a place for a short stay without obstructing the square or blocking lines of sight. The actual square space is characterized by its generous stone surfaces. Clear orthogonal forms as well as a homogeneous choice of materials and colours determine its atmosphere.

Furniture designed especially for this place, consisting of red bus shelters and illuminated benches with a high recognition value, emphasize the significant places of the square, so that the entire space is perceived as a cityscape-defining unit. The design is inspired by Kamp-Lintfort's history as a former mining site. Black stones and red metal as well as wood are the materials used for the elements.

The curved benches define the center of the square as a public lounge area for the residents. Nobody sits alone on separated standard benches but everybody sits together in the middle of the city center. Since the square also has a lively nightlife, the bench is illuminated from the inside with red light, creating a warm, glowing impression.

The design of the very generously dimensioned bus shelters follows industrial manufacturing processes. The massive-looking roof resembles a bent piece of steel that was placed on a solid concrete block for stabilization. Numerous light fields bathe the bus shelter in a uniformly pleasant light.

Lighting design: licht - raum - stadt, Wuppertal