The landscaping concept uses various measures to address climate change and also contributes to improving the city’s climate. Trees provide shade, while light coloured surfaces are designed to help mitigate warming. Furthermore, low-maintenance flowering beds, shrubs and lawns as well as large joints and lawn paving sets allow water first to seep away, then be stored, and finally evaporate. Excess water is temporarily stored using infiltration systems. The roofscape also contributes to evaporation through being intensively planted, and in addition roofs are equipped with photovoltaic panels.

Kardinal-Faulhaber-Platz

Kardinal-Faulhaber-Platz will be enlarged in the course of the redesign and will then be of an appropriate size to function as an important urban space. Spatially, it is oriented towards the new tram stop and the theatre. A new frame of trees and planted areas will open it up towards the theatre and separate it from the surrounding traffic areas. The trees will be planted in the adjacent green spaces and in the water-bound path surface that frames the middle of the square, with its large water feature clearly defining the centre, with seating around the edge.

The paving of the square consists of large-format natural stone slabs, water-bound pavement and green areas. The dimensions of the square will extend to such an extent, that it clearly refers to the theatre. The “Bratwursthäusle” kiosk is a rectangular structure whose design is derived from the square and the theatre. Green areas are planted with perennials and serve as retention areas. Rainwater that is retained on the square is either fed underground to the trees, seeps away, or evaporates, creating a green city square with park-like character that offers visitors a cooling microclimate in the hot summer months.

Josef-Stangl-Platz

The surface area of Josef-Stangel-Platz will also be extended by reducing the adjacent trafficked areas. On one hand, the church of St. Michael is thus given an appropriate forecourt and a new atmosphere; on the other, the square extends across the streets and includes the areas that border the courtyard garden, thus creating an entrée to it. On the square in front of St. Michael’s, a solitary tree in combination with a large seating element creates a shady place to sit, with the clear aim of integrating the church into the urban space, rather than eclipsing it. The large existing trees in the courtyard garden area will be retained and are embedded in planted areas, to ensure the theme of the courtyard garden is continued into the urban space, thus removing the existing clear-cut separation of the two.

Access to Domerschulstrasse via the square is subordinate to pedestrian and bicycle traffic and is zoned by means of suitably arranged bench elements, organised in such a way that traffic is clearly directed. Areas of water-bound pavement mark the recreational areas on the square, and the forecourt surface consists of a small paving-stones, providing a suitable framework for the significance of the church and alluding to its history.

Geschwister-Scholl-Platz

The location of Geschwister-Scholl-Platz, between the district court, the university building and Ringpark, has an urban significance that will be further enhanced with the new tram line and the associated tram stop.

The traffic areas are being redesigned to allow the square to be further expanded and its quality to be improved. In order to make the square clearly recognisable, a gridded grove of trees is planned across the entire area of the space to link up with the Ringpark. The basic structure is formed by water-bound path surfaces, and planted areas which are oriented towards the university building, continuing the existing spatial structure.

The café “Brotzeitstube” on the square adds to the ambience and the square’s frequency of use, which is further helped by seating elements beside the planting, thus turning the square into meeting place. Following the redesign, Geschwister-Scholl-Platz will play an important role in the urban context, as it serves both as a link between the adjacent spaces and as an entrance to the Ringpark, thereby creating an important local landmark.

In addition to the central square, various sub-areas have been created along the ‘Störschleife’. In the west, at the start of the watercourse, there is large-scale constructed wetland that resembles a natural water surface, and its seating steps invite visitors to linger. On the east side of the watercourse there are private spaces, allowing owners direct private access to the water. Along the watercourse, meadows and areas for play and sports activities invite visitors to linger too. One distinctive feature is the water playground area, allowing people to come into direct contact with water. Following the watercourse further to the east, a more natural picture emerges. The lushly planted flattened banks offer valuable shelter for animals.

In addition, a wide path for cyclists and pedestrians runs along the near-natural watercourse, linking up the various areas.

Sustainability

Another focus of the design is to ensure the scheme is sustainable. The scheme uses only shrubs and plants that have proved resistant to urban climates, and the overall aim is to have a high diversity of species. This high biodiversity is achieved not only through different tree species, but also through a mix of perennials and shrubs. These provide food sources and nesting opportunities for birds and insects, especially in the less frequented areas.

The choice of materials for the furniture was based on the design manual and only FSC-certified wood is being used. Existing natural stone will be reused and the clinker surfaces are all constructed using existing clinker material. In addition, the open space has numerous bicycle racks and efficient lighting is employed throughout.

Water cycle

The complete water cycle concept has been devised so that it contributes to increasing urban resilience. At the beginning of dry phases, for example, water levels in the system can be raised to positively influence evaporation in favour of the microclimate. If heavy rainfall is predicted, the water levels can be lowered in advance in order to exploit the retention capacity of the system.

The open areas on the school campus are arranged as well-defined external spaces, while the existing topography is skilfully used to define the individual subspaces. These subspaces are effortlessly connected by means of a tiered arrangement of seating with integrated stairs and ramps. A square grid acts as a linking element, determining both the division and design of the interior spaces, as well as the squares and paths of external spaces. Geometric blocks and rows of trees take up the urban structure, accentuating the built context. A continuous surface made up of 1.25m x 1.25m slabs picks up on the building’s modular grid, tying the open spaces together. Variously sized seating decks are woven into this grid. In addition to three oak trees, all of which merit protection, a large number of existing trees can be preserved.

The lower-lying courtyard between the canteen and the secondary school accommodates an all-weather court. In future, should more open space be required, this function can be relocated to the roof of the new sports hall and the former area added to that of the schoolyard. All trees will be planted in generously dimensioned tree pits and these will be additionally irrigated via tree trenches so they can be permanently maintained, even in times of climate change.

These additional campus buildings set the context for a reorganisation of the open spaces around the campus, while also acknowledging the existing green belt on Schelpsheide. The secondary school is accessed centrally, either through the courtyard via the street “Am Brodhagen” or from Schelpsheide. At the heart of the campus lies the large playground, while a swathe of greenery separates the secondary school from the primary school. Dedicated areas for games are embedded in the uniform pavement of concrete pavers in finely nuanced shades of grey and beige. These areas are delineated by playful markings, by grass-permeable pavers or by colour, none of which present an obstacle to the children’s need to move around freely. Plenty of opportunities for primary school students to play – for example just romping around or climbing activities – are visually delineated by lines and fields in the surfacing, inspiring children to invent new hopping, running, and balancing games. Both the kitchen garden and the green classroom are located on the quiet east side. For secondary students, in addition to age-appropriate sports activities, there are outdoor teaching areas. Wherever possible, surface water is fed into the vegetation via tree trenches to improve the water supply to the foliage, which leads to an increase in evapotranspiration.

Special attention is paid to the water feature, which positively influences the microclimate through evaporation. Visitors can cool off by the water or observe it from a distance and enjoy the relaxing effect. The fountains are designed to be navigable. The fountains can also be controlled according to the time of day/season/ and weather. In the shade of a group of chestnut trees, benches are arranged in the area of the entrance. The square is planned in large stone pavers.

The material integrates the street and the opposite area around the old town hall. A generously designed new town center with a clear identity is created. The parking spaces are planned in infiltration-capable grass paving slabs. Bicycle parking spaces are planned near the entrance. Three flagpoles will be placed in front of the town hall, clearly visible from the street. The tree population will be supplemented with climate-resistant trees. In the idea area, at the listed barn, a children’s playground will be created. The upper plateau will be connected, in addition to a barrier-free access from the south, via a generous staircase. On this plateau different, generation-spreading kinds of play and sport are offered.

The open space is not only seen as a pathway, but is interpreted as a communication and recreation area that presents itself in an open and inviting manner. This urban fugue and the FORUM will welcome students, scientists and interested people and accompany them during their stay in Jena. A ‘welcome area’ in the eastern ground floor area can be opened and extended towards the square, which increases the flexibility of use and connects interior and exterior space.

On the northern side, the staircase to the lower emergency exits is relocated and, with the green area and a generous bench, an additional lounge area is created here with direct reference to the square and the FORUM.