How can the transformation of public space be achieved through dialogue between local government, academia and civil society? This was the theme of a two-day study trip to Karlsruhe, during which an Austrian delegation visited sites showcasing innovative approaches to urban development. The focus was on strategic concepts such as the ‘Public Space and Inner-City Mobility’ (ÖRMI) project and Karlsruhe’s land-unsealing and urban forestry concept.
From Strategy to Street Transformation
The first day offered in-depth insights into Karlsruhe’s planning practices. Pioneering projects were presented along an excursion route through the city centre:
- Real-world laboratories as learning spaces: In Karlstraße and Passagehof, it was demonstrated how temporary uses (e.g. the ‘Platz für mehr’ project) can lead to permanent redesigns and new pedestrian zones.
- Climate resilience: The newly designed southern station forecourt serves as a showcase project for the ‘sponge city’ principle, in which underground tree quarters and innovative water inlets optimise rainwater management.
- Karlsruhe's combined solution: A highlight was the tour of the €1.5 billion infrastructure project. By relocating trams and car traffic into tunnels, space was freed up at ground level for green corridors and high-quality architecture.
Exchange on equal terms: “Practice meets practice”
The highlight of the programme was an evening event at the “TRIANGEL” cultural centre. Representatives from Karlsruhe and Austria discussed the challenges of urban transformation. Key takeaways were:
- Cooperation is essential: Given tight budgets, new funding models and closer collaboration between the administration and civil society are essential.
- Low-threshold access: To promote civic engagement, the administration needs clear points of contact and simplified processes.
- Real-world laboratories as catalysts: Scientific support helps to test new forms of mobility in a legally compliant manner and to increase acceptance among the population.
Outlook
On the second day, participants in the “Trans|formator:in” programme discussed which approaches from Karlsruhe could be adapted for use in Austrian local authorities. With a final workshop in Mödling (Lower Austria) in April, the exchange programme is now coming to an end.