Architecture students from Buxtehude University of Applied Sciences 21 have presented innovative design proposals for transforming Rotenburg's New Market Square, with a green rooftop terrace concept winning the public vote. The student presentations follow last week's architectural model unveiling for the Innovation Quarter between Lindenstraße and Soltauer Straße, signaling renewed development momentum in the German city.
Vincent Artzenroth's winning design features a market hall topped with a landscaped rooftop terrace, earning the citizen's choice award with 88 residents participating in the voting process. City employee Nadine Schumacher interpreted the public's enthusiasm for Artzenroth's green concept as evidence that residents prioritize environmental sustainability in urban planning. Council member Gilberto Gori, representing the Bego political party, praised the rooftop terrace idea while joining Green Party representatives Elisabeth Dembowski and Stefan Fuchs in emphasizing that these plans must not be shelved like similar projects in previous years.
Grete Runa Walter claimed both the professional and technical prizes with a more pragmatic approach, designing a row of buildings that would shield the New Market from the B 71 highway while opening toward the square. Her proposal maintains the market square function while adding trees and creates visual cohesion by drawing inspiration from the distinctive gabled building at Am Neuen Markt 24. Walter advocated for architectural uniformity to counter what she described as the current "wild mix of different buildings and materials" surrounding the square, admitting she wouldn't choose to sit in the current space despite recognizing its potential.
Second and third place awards went to Ole Witt and Jan Gerdau respectively, both proposing light-filled event and market halls as central features for the New Market Square. Professor Karsten Ley explained that the key challenge for his students involved creating year-round functionality for the space, a difficult task that generated diverse solutions. He commended citizens for their courage in supporting Artzenroth's bold vision during the voting process.
Mayor Torsten Oestmann characterized the prize ceremony as an opportunity for the city to identify implementable elements from the various proposals for future development phases. The student competition serves as a precursor to a planned 2026 urban planning competition similar to the recent Innovation Quarter project. The 20 designs were previously displayed in an April exhibition at City Hall.
Lothar Tabery from the Forum Building Culture Country in Bremervörde, who facilitated the collaboration between Buxtehude University and Rotenburg City Hall, observed that the New Market's heterogeneous character reflects broader architectural challenges throughout Rotenberg. He noted that the city offers little architecturally cohesive elements that contribute to a sense of community belonging, suggesting Rotenburg stands at the beginning of its journey toward more unified urban design.
Both Gori and Dembowski agreed that the New Market cannot remain in its current state. Dembowski anticipates that development following Walter's vision would create a smaller, more enclosed space that feels cozier and more intimate. Walter expressed confidence that residents desire more opportunities for spending time in the city center, including spaces like the New Market Square. The proposals highlight the ongoing transformation efforts in Rotenburg as city officials and residents collaborate to reimagine key urban spaces for future generations.
