The main idea of the design is to push the individual traffic from the square and to create a large, inviting space.
Hans-Gasser-Platz is opened and invites people to stroll, relax and meet up. Through this opening an important, flexible space is designed and functions as the perfect spot for day markets and the traditional “Villacher Kirchtag” market. The new design removes all obstructing elements from the square and sets the visual axes free.
A new order on the square is proposed: the individual traffic is more or less moved away and there for public transportation, bicycle and pedestrian traffic are enhanced. The aim is to create a balanced and functioning shared space.
The absolute highlight of this design is to create a large open space inspired by Mediterranean models. This provides more flexibility, for example in shaping the markets. The southern building façade front gets framed by alley of trees.
The bus shelters are being redesigned to achieve more openness. They are dominated by transparency and loads of glass. By the east-west the line of sight on the whole place is not interrupted. The space retains its open and spacious shape.
Since the square is oriented longitudinally, the stone paving is applied transversely. This way the space appears visually a lot wider. Through the lively pavement with different sized stones, held in various shades of gray without following a strict pattern, it results in a casual and Mediterranean feeling. The three different shades of the paving create a cohesive space. The pavement is the brightest in the middle of the square, but towards east and west it gets darker and darker. The street furniture is centered in the square is simple and playful and invites people to sit down for a while, relax and interact.
By a row of trees in the city center the square is also connected to the pedestrian zone nearby.
In cooperation with Prodinger architect.
