Annenplatz Open space development in a garden monument

The aim of the concept for the Annenplatz is to emphasize the character of the place by intensively dealing with its tangible identity and to strengthen it with the existing principles. For this purpose, a typical, recurring façade symbol is thematized in the design of the open space.

Special features
The Annenplatz is embedded in the middle of the first coherent, inner-city residential quarter of Chemnitz, which was built after the war. The unique unity in the form and colour language of the facades as well as in the proportions of the inner courtyards and entrance areas determines the homogeneous character of the quarter. In this special homogeneity lies the identity of this place which can be experienced today.

Transformation
The uniform colour and form language of the 1950s architecture is transformed into a catalogue of elements and thus reinterpreted for the planned furnishing of the open spaces. In order to do justice to the proportions of the Annenplatz, the grid of the concrete slabs existing in the entire city centre will be used for all elements.
The furnishing of the Annenplatz, developed by stretching this grid in height and width, is composed of floor slabs, cubes and further seating elements of different sizes and is made of concrete block. All elements are embossed with one of the two selected ornaments in flower form. The oxide red colour tone is based on the found details such as house numbers, ornaments and the regionally typical porphyry of the facades.

Open space development
Looking from the entrance of the school, it is clear how the open space between Reitbahnstraße and Annenschule appears structured by the grid of the floor slabs. Raising the level of Brauhausstraße in the area of Annenplatz allows the continuation of the floor pattern across the street and connects the two partial areas in terms of design. Across the remaining lawn, cubes continue the grid of paving slabs in a highly visible manner to Reitbahnstrasse.
The site plan shows how the Annen School is more strongly related to Reitbahnstrasse by the carpet-like fields. The small square area on Reitbahnstraße forms an opening situation for Annenplatz and also acts as a structure and caesura in the generous street space.