Jennifer Horvath
The Allmende - a place for the community. FH Aachen (Germany)
Retail in transition - repurposing the former Saturn store at Reihplatz, Aachen
As part of the master thesis „Aprés Shopping - repurposing Saturn Reihplatz“ at the FH Aachen, I dealt with the conversion of the former Saturn building on Reihplatz in Aachen.
Our city centers have changed dramatically in recent years. There have been major shifts in the retail sector due to the influence of digital technologies, new business models and cultural changes. As a result, many city centers are struggling with massive vacancies, bare facades and a lack of visitors. The former Saturn building is also threatened by such a fate. In my work, I have developed a new utilization concept for this building under the guiding principle of an „Allmende“.
The word „Allmende“ is an old German term that used to refer to communal assets and for which there is no direct translation. This includes, for example, land used jointly for agriculture. It therefore refers to communal property, something that belongs to everyone equally. The new use of the former Saturn building was based on this principle. The aim is to create a place that can be visited by everyone without any obligation to consume. The offerings are to be varied. For Example, Areas have been planned for courses, sports or even handicrafts and co-learning. The „Allmende” is intended to be a place where people can participate, shape, discover, experience and develop freely.
The draft places a special focus on a non-profit use and sustainability. Instead of demolishing the building, an attempt is being made to use the already absorbed CO² in a new way. Retaining as much of the old building as possible and creating new green spaces. With this design, the residents of Aachen are given a place that is not completely predetermined but is created and grows by them. A place for the community.
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