Hansa Square, Dortmund
A redevelopment plan for the largest square in Dortmund, the Hansaplatz, first called for the removal of the top floor of an underground car park, the upper level of which extended up onto the square itself. The consequent loss of parking spaces, together with a proposal to clear the square altogether of above ground parking spaces was not without opposition. The degradation of a public square, formerly a focal point of town life, into an amorphous communal car park is a development which is by no means unique to Dortmund. The new design seeks to underline the generous proportions of the square and also to recreate a lively arena for town life.
