Heidelberg's Kaufhof: New ideas for an open city center!

Heidelberg's Kaufhof: New ideas for an open city center!

Heidelberg, Deutschland - in the heart of Heidelberg something is happening. The empty building of the Galeria Kaufhof on Bismarckplatz, which has been unused for a year, could soon shine in new splendor. The architectural students of the Technical University of Braunschweig have opened up to find ways to use. Under the project name "Kauf-Aus-Opportunity for the Heidelberg City Culture", they present their ideas in an exciting exhibition that includes cooperation partners such as the "Neckarorte" and "Urban Innovation" associations. The exhibition shows 13 master's theses designed by Ann-Kathrin Lepke-Jensen and can be seen on large-format tarpaulins. The focus is on the re -assessment of this building culture, valuable and urban planning, which is located in the middle of the city.

How could the building, which are almost 12,000 square meters, be used in the future? So far, suggestions have been promising: Among other things, a branch of the city library, exhibition areas for a city museum and a citizen service are under discussion. Gastronomic offers or pop-up stores could also fit well into the new concept. The idea is clear: the building should become an open house and meeting point for the city society.

public interest and citizen participation

At an opening matinee, in which alumni participated in the institute and involved, the ideas were discussed with the city society. The citizens were grateful for the suggestions and the format of the exhibition in public space. The exhibition is accessible to passers -by by the end of August and offers a unique insight into the creative potential that slumber in this room.

Why is the reuse of empty areas so important? The Federal Institute for Building, Urban and Spatial Research (BBSR) also emphasized this in its report "Recycling and department stores- a small building cultural status report". The significant decline in purchasing and department stores since 1994 not only has an impact on the sales areas, but also threatens the attractiveness of the city centers. The signs are diverse: online shopping has changed the retail trade significantly and leads more to vacancies.

opportunities for revitalization

The reuse of these areas can also be an opportunity. Vacancy offers potential for revitalization and can strengthen the identification of the residents with their place of residence. Successful conversion projects live from well -thought -out concepts, but also from the flexibility of the actors on site. In order not only to promote retail, but also all sorts of usage mixtures - from culture to education to gastronomy and living - cities have to break new ground and adapt their concepts. As was impressive in numerous examples of revitalization projects, this can lead to living locations.

In order to promote these developments, the promotion of renovations and conversion of existing real estate is essential. Funding, such as the 13.25 million euros that are available as part of the "reactivation of vacancy", can help create the correct incentives.

A clear picture crystallizes: the challenges are great, but the chances as well. Cities have to find creative and innovative approaches in order to not only increase the quality of life, but also to strengthen social cohesion. The building on Bismarckplatz could be a showcase project for this future.