Redesign Proposals for Schlotthauerplatz: Visuals of Potential New Appearance Unveiled
Residents of Munich's Au neighborhood have an opportunity to shape the future of a local square through a citizens' participation project called Dialog am Birnbaum. The project aims to transform a previously underutilized green strip with parking and bike racks into a more vibrant community space.
Over the past few months, around 70 neighbors have been actively involved in brainstorming sessions and meetings, organized by the Munich Forum, to develop compatible proposals for the square's transformation. The engaged residents' goal is to make better use of the small area.
Two concepts have arisen from the collaborative process: one concept proposes a changeable use in summer and winter, while the other proposes a permanent design. The change concept envisions a summer seating area in front of the local La Sophia, which would be closed to traffic on one side with bollards and on the other with raised beds. In summer, the area west of the green strip in the middle of the square would accommodate two electric vehicle charging stations through diagonal parking. In winter, the middle area would reopen for cars, and diagonal parking spaces would be provided in front of the local.
The permanent use concept envisions the area being closed like the summer variant, with additional space allocated for the square's redesign. In a subsequent phase, traffic calming measures are even planned, and the parking spaces west of the square would be moved to Schlotthauerstraße towards the Isar, allowing for the establishment of a private charging system, or quarter fleet.
Both concepts share some common features, focusing on the relocation of parking spaces, greening, and the addition of furniture, including a drinking fountain, tool cabinet, and a tree with a round bench. Native stone paving and raised ground levels will ensure barrier-free access and a uniform square appearance.
Residents can participate in the survey until June 1st and evaluate the concepts, as well as individual elements and ideas from them, online. They can also fill out a printed questionnaire at the ASZ Untergiesing, Kolumbusstraße 33, between 3 pm and 6 pm on May 25th, and pose questions, although bringing the invitation is recommended. The results from this final survey, together with the two concepts, will be submitted as a neighborhood recommendation to Munich's politics and administration.
The Dialog am Birnbaum project was conceived due to a resolution passed by the Au-Haidhausen District Council in 2022, which stipulated the transformation of the area where Asam, Sommer, Kolumbus, and Schlotthauer streets intersect into a micro-square. The temporary traffic trial held over the summer of 2023 sparked controversy in the neighborhood, leading to the formation of an open dialogue platform, which eventually culminated in the Dialog am Birnbaum initiative. The aim of setting up such an open participation process was to involve all residents early on in the planning process before the city begins its development.
- In the Digital am Birnbaum project, residents are invited to evaluate two proposed lifestyle transformations for the local square, one of which involves a changeable design with a home-and-garden element, featuring raised beds and electric vehicle charging stations in summer.
- As part of the Dialog am Birnbaum initiative, the permanent design concept also includes a home-and-garden focused transformation, with plans for traffic calming measures, the establishment of a private charging system, and more green spaces.
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