Pinghu German Town
Urban Design and Architecture
The inspiration was taken from Rothenburg ob der Tauber, well known for its well-preserved medieval old town.
The main aspects taken from Rothenburg ob der Tauber, characterizing our project which are summarized into three statements: 1-the urban plot, identified by a very organic assembly of roads, squares, forming courtyards, 2-the typical typology of the buildings with steep roofs and 3- towers, marking the city gates and the borders of the town.
In a more systematic way, the town is based on 3 simple development steps:
Two major roads, one from North to South, and one from East to West, outline the city into four major parts, each with one main functional identity.
The end of each street is identified by a Gate-tower, while the crossing of the two roads are widened to the major town square.
Representative buildings of the town are placed along the main square. The functions of these buildings are closely related to car industry.
The secondary paths, laid on top of the above introduced main roads, are concluding a densely-weaved road network, forming a winding and interesting pedestrian system leading through spatial nodes with different sizes. This creates different scenes and offers changing view points while walking, inviting to experience the city and discover more.
The created building blocks, within the street network, welcome the visitor by scale, by design and by function. Each possible shop is facing the street to maximize the commercial value, enhance street life and generate activity. The four endpoints of the town, at the ends of the main routes, are marked by distinctive bell towers, representing the unique connotation of the town.
The facade design of the buildings aims to display the image of a romantic town in Germany. Uncompromising contemporary architecture is blended with historicizing facades, reflecting the western culture and mediating between rationalism and romanticism. It is a representative display of the quality and advantages of European towns in their abilities to transform, to adapt and to create new expressions, coming along with new functions.
Open Space and Landscape
The landscape design consists of the contrast between “stone city” and “Garden”. The plaza-street system forms the stone city, together with the buildings. Adjacent to it are green alleys and small gardens.
The market square contains green elements, inviting people to linger and offers refreshing water features.
The entrance squares contains trees in lines and guides people movements. Bike parking can be arranged well underneath the trees.
Green courtyards contrast the stone city with themed gardens like, grass garden, wilderness garden, mirror garden, formal garden, art garden, monastery garden and finally a beer garden. The inside, green and private, and the outside, paved and public, is created.