Location
Dorotheenstraße
70173 Stuttgart, Germany

Redesign the street to connect the surrounding historical buildings and squares (Markthalle, Stauffenberg-Platz, Altes Schloss, Schillerplatz etc.) into a network of public spaces.

 

Remove car parking from both sides of the street completely and use that space for stalls and seating.

 

Use the flow of people going in and out of the Markthalle, to bring the redesigned street to life, giving the shoppers a place to sit and enjoy their spoils through urban furniture under and outside the arches, and on the opposite side of the street.

 

Use Markthalle’s facade as the anchor point for the redesigned street - as a backdrop as well as a view. Again, the placement of urban furniture will help do that.

 

With paint, harmonize the ground space into a one coherent pathway and connect it with the existing public spaces nearby. However, subtly mark different zones in the ground space: 1) the new pedestrian-only zone along the arches, 2) followed by a mixed-use bike lane and 3) then a mixed-use road for cars to go in and out of the underground parking - at a really low speed. The cars and the underground parking lot have to be integrated into this new design, because the parking lot cannot be removed, at least in the short term. A bike lane, ideally with bike parking stands, would enhance the mobility access of this space. The speed for bikes should also be slower here. The user hierarchy should be: pedestrians first, cyclists second and cars last.

 

Since the Markthalle closes at 6:30pm, there should be elements to still draw people to the space after that time and late at night. Also people should be able to use the space without having to spend money. The urban furniture should help with loitering, meeting friends etc. Beautiful lighting e.g. tree lighting can also make the space visually attractive and functional after dark. The addition of other features like a community library shelf or a game space would further strengthen the redesigned space.

 

Add a water fountain and prominently identify the closest public toilet - to fully equip the space with basic public space needs.

 

The final outcome should be a place for everyone to sit, linger, talk, observe, be alone.