Umlaut

Concept

Our concept draws inspiration from a public survey where citizens expressed their preferences for the special building module. A similar survey was conducted for the entire urban project extending from this location. In this survey, participants placed colored boxes representing various urban functions within the designated space, reflecting their planning ideas.

We incorporated this approach in our concept by developing "Activity Boxes" that correspond to citizens' wishes. The focus is on community, openness, nature, and modernism. We strategically positioned these boxes around the site, taking into account elevation differences, connections to surrounding buildings, and dependencies between individual activities. To ensure sufficient space, each box is assigned a zone that allows for a coherent and functional layout.

Next, we playfully extruded, tilted, and rotated the individual zones to give the site dynamism and visual interest. To manage height variations and provide protection from sun and rain, we introduced a roof structure that interacts organically with each zone. This structure covers or flows around the zones as needed, creating a seamless and fluid transition.

The design enables three-dimensional connectivity, allowing people to pass underneath, move around, or purposefully ascend, thus creating an engaging and interactive environment. To further emphasize the aspect of nature, large parts of the roof are green, and scattered green islands are distributed across the space, visually supporting parts of the roof similar to mountains. This not only enhances aesthetic appeal but also promotes sustainability and a connection to nature.

The project name is inspired by German grammar, where two dots are placed above a letter, similar to the roof that serves as an extension of the underlying or integrated zones. While the activities are the main attraction, the roof amplifies their significance and creates a harmonious and appealing environment.

Layout

Masterplan

Ground Floor

01: Exhibition 02: Board Games 03: Amphitheater 04: Zen Garden 05: Relaxation 06: River / Skating 07: Plaza 08: Playground 09: (Re)charge 10: Observation Tower

Exhibition

Designed as a non-commercial exhibition space, it is particularly interesting for young artists due to pedestrian traffic.

Board Games

A place where people of all generations can meet and play together, whether during a break or in general.

Amphitheater

A place, either individually or as an extension of an exhibition, where creativity within the community is encouraged.

Zen Garden

A retreat centered around a cherry tree, typical for Stuttgart, offering a relaxed connection to nature.

Relaxation

A meeting point where travelers, workers, and residents can find calm under the an organically shaped roof.

River / Skating

A small stream that connects the various activities and can be used as a skating rink in winter due to its rounded form.

Plaza

The center piece of the project, connecting all zones and providing space for expansion based on interaction.

Playground

Located near the park, the playground invites interaction with the structure and offers traveling children a chance to let off steam.

(Re)charge

Equipped with solar panels on canopies, this zone enables sustainable charging of mobile devices.

Observation Tower

Taking advantage of the height limit, the tower offers views of the central Schlossgarten and the roof of the main train station extension.

(Re)charge

Plaza

Playground

Zen