Marienplatz Darmstadt

The competition contribution for Damrstadt's Marienplatz envisages three block edge urban components that on the one hand display an autonomous, urban structure and characteristic architecture and on the other hand fit in naturally with the surrounding structures. The continuation of existing routes also creates a link to the city.

The three town modules are characterised by precisely placed cubes and elevations that partly take up the scale of the direct vicinity but also place effective high points at distinctive urban places. They have a spatial connection to other landmarks of Darmstadt's town centre and complement these.

The high point at Heidelberger Strasse marks the start of the new area with a 17-storey hotel. The motif of the high-rise building is repeated with the other urban components, thus characterising the image of the new district.  

The design of the building also contributes towards the development of the quarter: the individual blocks each comprise "stone" components with a plaster facade giving it an urban feel with the roof gardens for urban gardening and buildings made of wood that have conspicuous and intense roof greenery characterising the district. This varied and unmistakable image contributes towards the urban, innovative and also green character of the new district.

The structural diversity of the urban design is reflected in the diverse character of the open spaces and courtyards. They are accessible to the public and linked to the existing routes in the surroundings. Water basins enliven the courtyards as green oases. They are supplied with rain water, thus acting as a rainwater retention basis as well. Trees fitting the location and resilient to the climate ensure much greenery. 

Green communal gardens are developed on the roofs of some buildings. Besides the diverse ecological benefits, they offer the residents additional open areas. On the high buildings the roof greenery is combined with photovoltaic systems.

Investors: FRANK Heimbau Main/Taunus GmbH and IBER Projektmanagement GmbH

Landscape architects: geskes.hack Landschaftsarchitekten GmbH