MATTHÄIKIRCHHOF

The decision between demolishing or converting the Matthäikirchhof site in Leipzig is a complex one. The historical significance speaks in favor of continued use, while urban planning aspects, the condition of the buildings and economic viability speak against it. The solution is to take appropriate account of sustainability and historical relevance in the new development. The central idea of the design is to create a public space that includes the city archive with a contemporary history exhibition. Existing materials on site will be recycled for all construction measures. The reorganization is intended to tie in with the existing structures, respect them and yet incorporate contemporary elements. The Stasi building hinders the development of the area and is to be demolished in order to revive high-quality urban planning approaches from the past. New buildings will be added to the historical context and serve as places of exchange and visible discourse in the public space.The areas of use include commercial and craft businesses, cultural, social and educational facilities as well as apartments. A free-standing solitary building houses the forum with archive space and offices.
The open spaces around the new building are designed as a varied sequence of open spaces, with a clear separation from the Promenadenring by a grid of trees. The development is pedestrian and bicycle-friendly, and the quarter will be car-free. The integration into the city is achieved through architectural elements that create a place of living democracy. This design offers a solution that takes historical significance and contemporary requirements into account.