Curtain up to the good room Workshop procedure for the Willy-Brandt-Platz in Gladbeck

Concept
In the city centre of Gladbeck, a system of alleys and squares spans out in the shape of a cloverleaf. At its western end lies the Willy-Brandt-Platz. The entire square area is seen as a large uniform field on which the imposing old town hall stands solitary. A new, uniformly bright surface design visually draws the area together. The existing space-creating elements - the three large trees and the fountain - are retained.

The motif of the "curtain" as both an open and protective element is inserted in the form of three openwork equipment bands. They accommodate outdoor catering, play, stay and greenery and in their combination act as collision protection during events.

Transportation planning
Willy Brand Square poses special design challenges due to the large number of different road users - pedestrians, buses, cars, etc. The shared space concept, which is already being applied today, will be further developed. For this reason, motorized traffic will be offered driving lanes, but typical structuring measures, such as material changes or curbs, will be omitted.

Design
The field with a uniform light surface

marks the Willy-Brandt-Platz. A strong light-dark contrast is established between the surrounding surfaces and the plaza area. The design approach of Gladbeck's pedestrian zone is taken up: Walking zones with a dark surface and the central recreation zone with a light surface. The actual square area is paved with two different materials for functional reasons: light-coloured concrete slabs for the pedestrian areas, light-coloured, smoothed in-situ concrete for the drivable areas. In order to support the idea of shared space, the drivable area within the square is to be represented as little as possible and interlocks with the surrounding pedestrian areas in terms of design.

Three bands of amenity, referred to as "curtains", structure the square and, due to their arrangement, continue to allow events to be held. The northern band accommodates outdoor dining. It consists of four terraces, which are one step higher than the adjacent area to the south, which is used by buses. In the spaces between the terraces there is a step-free crossing. The existing trees, supplemented by three new plantings, provide shade and lead into the elevated street. Hedges structure the outdoor dining area and create sheltered lounges. A loose row of cube-shaped planters lines the enclosing step and is planted individually by the

gastronomes.
The central band is formed by a chain of "dancing" seating walls. They are offset from each other in a lammellike manner and have playfully changing heights playfully between 50 and 80cm. They invite people to sit, lie down and play and, due to their arrangement and height, secure events taking place on Willy-Brandt-Platz against approaching vehicles. The existing chestnut tree is enclosed by a raised plateau. There is space for three play elements in the areas spanned by the seat walls: a trampoline flush with the ground and two play stations made of stainless steel. The existing seven flagpoles are also integrated into the band.

The third band is located on the southern extension of Willy-Brandt-Platz in front of the connecting building between the Old and New Town Halls. It upgrades the today predominantly stone courtyard situation with greenery and seating. The existing circumferential staircase will be converted into a flat terrace and occupied by three small-crowned multi-stemmed trees. The fountain will be left in its current position, the fountain basin will be rebuilt. The surrounding cobblestone embankment will be removed, and replaced with a slotted channel installed flush with the ground. The result is a thin film of water on the pavement - an attractive playground for children with a positive effect on the microclimate.