Ellrich Market and Church Plaza

Ellrich lost a great deal of its former city structure from the Middle Ages to numerous city fires. The center of the city was particularly affected by them. Over the centuries, this unused area appeared unmanaged and inappropriate for a city center. In 2001, the City of Ellrich decided for a complete re-design and gentrification as part of the city construction sponsorship plan of the Free State of Thuringia.

Accepting the historic structure of the quarter, the superimposition of the modern, functional requirements resulted in a differentiation of the entire area into various areas for relaxation. While market plaza has been converted into a multi-functional area, the church received a stone surrounding for relaxation and reflection. Stringently guided paths make avoiding and crossing of various areas possible. Halls created from trees provide a grid-like transparency between the two primary structures. They indicate the former proportion of the historic buildings.

The market plaza is the core of city life. Bound to the north by a gallery pathway that can be used as a stage, the backdrop of the church forms the spatial equivalent. To the east, market booths built of steel and glass construction lead to the surrounding street areas. Strongly guided cobblestone pathways and walkways lead to green niches, the plaza’s areas for retreat. This linear structure follows a waterway separated from the market plaza and leading to open space close to residences. Create handling fo the element of water is a special design topic for Ellrich as a city of mills. If the waterway represents motion, the topic of relaxation has been implemented in the Water House.