Citizens can submit ideas for the redesign on November 7th
Ollendorffplatz in Darmstadt's Heimstättensiedlung housing estate is to be redesigned. The City of Darmstadt is committed to involving local residents from the outset. At a kick-off event on Saturday, November 7, 2026, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., interested parties can contribute their wishes and ideas for the future design of the square.
The aim is to enhance Ollendorffplatz while simultaneously contributing to climate protection and adaptation to the consequences of climate change. More green spaces, less paved surface area, and new recreational opportunities are intended to make the square more attractive in the future.
Public participation is at the beginning of the planning process
The kick-off event aims to facilitate dialogue between citizens, politicians, and administrators. The initial focus is on gathering ideas and developing concepts for the future use of Ollendorffplatz.
The suggestions of the people from the housing estate should be directly incorporated into the further planning process.
To this end, the science city of Darmstadt, together with Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences, has established a so-called real-world laboratory. In this laboratory, suggestions from the public are taken up and further developed using digital technologies.
Artificial intelligence helps with space design
A special feature of the project is the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and extended reality (XR). These technologies will be used to virtually design and visualize possible design options for Ollendorffplatz.
This allows different ideas for the redesign to be clearly presented before concrete construction measures begin.
In the winter semester of 2026/27, students of the architecture department at Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences will be working on the proposals from the public as part of the course “Digital Technologies – Parametrics”.
These suggestions will be used to develop concrete design concepts, which will be presented to local residents in the summer of 2027.
The redesign of the square will then begin.
More greenery to combat heat and heavy rain
A key component of the planned redesign is the improvement of the urban climate.
Darmstadt, particularly in its western districts, has a high proportion of sealed surfaces. Asphalt and paved areas can heat up considerably in the summer heat. At the same time, rainwater has limited ability to seep into the ground there.
During heavy rain, this increases the risk that large amounts of water will run off the surface and cause flooding.
With the redesign of Ollendorffplatz, the city therefore wants to create opportunities to reduce sealed surfaces and create new green areas.
New plants and seating are intended to enhance the space
Environmental officer Michael Kolmer emphasizes the importance of greened public spaces.
“Green public spaces make a concrete contribution to heat protection. Shade and evaporative cooling noticeably lower the temperature. Unsealed surfaces also improve infiltration during heavy rain,” explains Kolmer.
Biodiversity should also benefit from the redesign. Native perennials and shrubs can create additional habitats for animals.
In addition, new seating and improved facilities are intended to enhance the quality of the stay.
“Furniture and seating enhance the quality of the space and promote social interaction in the neighborhood,” said Kolmer.
Which measures will ultimately be implemented will be decided in the further planning process with the participation of the public.
Initial designs are expected to be presented in the summer of 2027
Following the kick-off event on November 7th, the collected ideas will be further developed within the framework of the joint project with Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences.
The students are expected to develop concrete design proposals from this in the winter semester of 2026/27.
The presentation of the draft concepts to local residents is scheduled for summer 2027. The actual redesign of Ollendorffplatz is then to begin.
The most important data
Event: Kick-off for the redesign of Ollendorffplatz
Date: Saturday, November 7, 2026
Time: 10:30 to 12:30
Location: Ollendorffplatz, Heimstättensiedlung, Darmstadt
Target group: Residents, people from the housing estate and all interested parties
Participation: Collection of ideas and suggestions for redesign
Project partners: City of Darmstadt and Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences
Special feature: Virtual designs using artificial intelligence and extended reality
Development of the design concepts: Winter semester 2026/27
Presentation of the designs: Summer 2027
Start of the redesign: Planned following the presentation of the design concepts
(DARMSTADT – RED/PSD/stip)
