Osnabrück, Pastor-Karwehl-Platz, 1st Price

The redesign of Oskar-Karwehl-Platz in Osnabrück-Schinkel creates a green, versatile urban space with a high quality of stay. The square will be divided into three areas: The historic avenue of lime trees in the north will be preserved, freed from disruptive fixtures and strengthened by visual axes to St. Paul’s Church. To the south is a traffic-calmed square area, which is structured by a planted decorative band and offers space for events such as the weekly market. A ribbon of slabs and lighting mark the old course of the street. To the south, a pocket park is being created with a spacious meadow area, lined with existing and newly planted trees. Slight height modeling creates visually and functionally varied areas, for example for rainwater retention. Paths allow crossings, but leave large meadow areas undivided. Seating, play equipment and drinking fountains complete the offer. Percolating eco-paving ensures sustainable drainage. The entire area will be barrier-free, the street space will be traffic-calmed and the connection to St. Paul’s Church will be upgraded. A maintenance concept differentiates between intensively used and near-natural areas.

Location: Osnabrück, Schinkel district, Lower Saxony
Realization competition: 2023, 1st prize
Awarded by: City of Osnabrück
Size: 6,700 sqm