Architect
products & services
block-steps ● bricks ● guiding-systems-for-the-blind ● paving-stones
Location
Kronenrain, 79395 Neuenburg am Rhein
small
Neuenburg am Rhein, a small medieval town located at the tri-border area of Germany, Switzerland and France, lies in close proximity to Freiburg im Breisgau and has a population of approximately 13,000. As part of the Baden-Württemberg State Garden Show 2022, held under the motto „ “A City Moves to the Rhine – CITY. COUNTRY. RIVER.“ from April to October, the town had the opportunity to transform its urban landscape sustainably. The architectural design of the area at Kronenrain was carried out by the Berlin-based MONO Architekten, while the landscape planning was undertaken by the Berlin office Planorama.
A central component of the project was the construction of a parking garage with 231 parking spaces, strategically located to alleviate inner-city traffic and free the city center from parked cars. The roof of the parking garage seamlessly connects to the adjacent town center, forming a continuous level. The newly created “city balcony,” known as Münsterplatz, serves both as a central meeting point and a popular viewpoint. High-quality natural stones from BESCO were used for the plaza design, including belgrano® granite, porphyry, and rhyolite.
The three-story structure of the parking garage also links the higher city level with the lower Rhine Plain. A 36-meter-high tower and a 50-meter-long bridge create a direct connection from Münsterplatz to the Wuhrloch area. This results in a harmonious interplay between architecture and landscape, which sustainably shapes and enriches the character of the city.
Inspired by the red sandstone traditionally used in the region and the historic city wall, the planners chose a red paint finish for the parking structure. For the design of Münsterplatz, Planorama selected reddish, multi-toned natural stones from the Berlin-based company BESCO. The materials – belgrano® granite, porphyry, and rhyolite – were used for paving surfaces, masonry, block steps, and the tactile guidance system. They blend seamlessly with the warm hues of the facade and underscore the overall design concept.
The warm tones of the natural stones reach their full potential in sunlight, exuding a sense of natural warmth and vitality. Furthermore, natural stone impresses with its outstanding material properties: its durability and robustness make it ideal for high-traffic areas. Thanks to its resistance to frost and de-icing salts, it also serves as a reliable and weatherproof surface for the city center during winter.
The construction of the Kronenrain area drew attention during the building phase, primarily due to the significantly increased costs, which were partly attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, the delayed completion of the parking garage, which only became operational in February 2023 – four months after the conclusion of the State Garden Show – caused discontent among the public.
Despite these controversies, the project achieved notable success: it was honored with a prestigious architecture award. The German Design Council presented the city with the honorary prize „Architects’ Client of the Year 2024“ as part of the Iconic Awards: Innovative Architecture. The jury particularly praised the visionary approach, which not only created a functional space but also established a striking landmark with significant social value.
Find out more about the use and range of applications of natural stone.
Pedestrian zones & city squares
