A new center for Mainleus
Transforming an Industrial Legacy into a Vibrant and Connected Town Center
Region
Europe and Northern America
Date
December 2017 - April 2018
Service
Urban Design and Public Space
Project Details
Location
- Mainleus (Germany)
Type
- Competition
Client
Partners
- Treibhaus Lavaland
Surface
14ha
Our vision for a lively and inclusive town center that reconnects the community with its industrial heritage and integrates nature and public life.
Mainleus, a city in Bavaria, needs a new center that strengthens the identity of the community. This center is created through the reorganization of the building masses, the design of the pathways and public spaces, as well as through the settlement of temporary and long-term uses and the linkage with the regional landscape. The history of the site serves as a guideline for the transformation of the former spinning mill.
It is not just about making a former industrial site usable. It is about developing the Mainleuser Mitte into a place that fits back into the existing structure: A place where people enjoy living and working.
Urban Planning Concept
Repurposing spaces
The reorganization of the building masses is based on the existing industrial buildings: What can reasonably be preserved will be kept, what can no longer be made usable will be removed. Newly created spaces will be made accessible to the public – what previously could not be entered is now there for all to see. To this end, we are creating public spaces on the footprints of the former spinning rooms and the weaving mill. New perimeter development captures these new places, while strengthening the existing streetscapes at the edge of the design area.
The reorganization of the area through the Hornschuchstrasse and Lubisarkaden axes creates four quarters. A gradient of uses extends across these – neither strict separation of functions nor wild mix. In the west, at the quiet and attractive locations, residential use is predominant, while commercial use dominates in the east. In between, easily accessible via the main development, public uses and service providers are concentrated. Squares and gardens mediate and structure the area.
Quarters at a Glance
Northwest
Quiet, ecological housing near Mainleuser Lake supports diverse population groups through innovative residential forms. These are complemented by activating ground-floor uses. The boating area marks the entrance to the western edge of the design area.
Southwest
Here, existing structures are expanded into a functioning residential neighborhood. The Cotton Hall and two-cylinder Spinning Mill will be preserved and repurposed for exhibitions and a glass manufactory.
To the north, a new volume complements the hall and, together with a new high point, marks the identity of Mainleuser Mitte. The old gatehouse defines the southern entrance.
Southeast
Cultural, social, and commercial functions cluster near the station. A grocery store opposite the station draws foot traffic and is accessible without a car. Nearby businesses and a business incubator energize this most central part of the site and provide a transition to the commercial area further east.
Northeast
Characterized by a succession forest, this area is framed by additional development land to the east. To the west, residential typologies take shape. The University of Kulmbach is situated along Hornschuchstraße.
Open space concept
The new center of Mainleus becomes not only an urban core, but a landscape-oriented one too – drawing references from the regional context of the Upper Main hill country. Four open space identities define the public realm:
Mainleuser Waldland
This urban forest provides a multifunctional local recreation space. As a climatically valuable and ecologically rich area, it is managed as a succession woodland.
Footbridges ensure access and invite visitors to experience the woodland environment.
Spindelplatz
A robust and flexible public square designed like a tree hall.
As a contrast to the woodland, Spindelplatz can adapt to different needs: from marketplace and sports field to exhibition or event space.
Mainleuser Lake
A large, open water area designed for rainwater retention and purification across the entire quarter.
Besides its ecological function, the lake offers high-quality recreational opportunities for Mainleus residents and guests.
Garden Land
This open space provides private outdoor areas for new housing.
In early development phases, the space can already serve as garden plots – for example, community gardening or interim uses.
This urban forest provides a multifunctional local recreation space. As a climatically valuable and ecologically rich area, it is managed as a succession woodland.
Footbridges ensure access and invite visitors to experience the woodland environment.
Development concept
A new crossroads connects west and east for all types of traffic and creates a new connection for pedestrians from south to north. These axes reconnect the Spinnerei area to the network of paths in Mainleus and the region. Spinnereistraße across from the station provides park-and-ride and bicycle parking, as well as space for future expansion of the station. All buildings are accessible by motor vehicles on at least one side. Public spaces with a residential character are designed as “shared surfaces” for priority pedestrian use.
Housing Models and Resident Involvement
A mix of rental, owner-occupied, and affordable housing is envisioned.
Cooperative models and proportionate ground leases are also considered. Future residents are invited to co-develop the area, for example, through a neighborhood organization shaping ground-floor uses and shared spaces.
Phased Development
The area will be developed in stages, with an emphasis on early residential development in the attractive and quiet western area. The well-developed central areas lend themselves to service providers and public uses, and commercial space is envisioned in the east.
