Revitalization of Platz am Offers, Velbert

Platz am Offers and its surrounding areas hold deep historical significance for the city of Velbert. As a focal point of urban identity, the square is flanked by notable landmarks such as the Haus am Offers, the old Protestant church, and other historically significant buildings. The redevelopment of this space aimed to enhance its functionality while preserving its cultural essence.

The design of the square integrates three distinct sections, each contributing to the space's vibrancy and usability: the main square, the Offers terraces, and the Offersgarten. The thoughtful combination of architecture, green spaces, and high-quality materials has transformed Platz am Offers into a lively hub for public events, markets, and social gatherings.

Urban design and functional zones

The redevelopment of Platz am Offers was carefully planned to serve multiple functions within the city’s core. The square is structured into two primary zones: the infrastructural edge and the central event space. The peripheral zone provides connectivity to surrounding buildings and seamlessly integrates into the pedestrian zone, while the open central area serves as a flexible stage for public events, markets, and community activities.

The Offers terraces act as a transition between the square and the lower Offersgarten, featuring a large seating staircase made of stamped concrete with embedded planting islands. This space offers an inviting area for relaxation, with views overlooking the historic Offershaus. The Offersgarten itself is designed as a quiet retreat, featuring green meadow areas, reclining loungers, and a small water playground, adding a refreshing and interactive element to the urban landscape.

Use of Vande Moortel clay pavers DecimA

A key aspect of the revitalization was the careful selection of materials to enhance the aesthetic and functional quality of the space. The Vande Moortel clay pavers DecimA were chosen for their durability, high quality, visual appeal, and ability to harmonize with the historical surroundings. Two distinct colors were utilized to create a warm and inviting atmosphere in the main square: Aureum, a sanded and tumbled variant in grey-yellow tones and Auburn, an unsanded and tumbled variant in warm brown tones.

The use of these high-quality clay pavers plays a crucial role in defining the character of Platz am Offers. Their warm tones complement the historic church façade and surrounding architecture, establishing a seamless visual connection between old and new elements. The carefully designed paving pattern adds dynamism to the space, subtly guiding movement and creating a sense of flow across the square. Additionally, the pavers' textured surface enhances slip resistance, ensuring safety for pedestrians during events and daily use.

Impact and community reception

The revitalization of Platz am Offers was inaugurated in October 2018, with strong public participation and enthusiasm. The transformed space has since become a central hub for social interaction, outdoor hospitality, and seasonal markets. The integration of greenery and water elements contributes to the city’s climate adaptation efforts, providing shade, cooling effects, and enhancing biodiversity within the urban core.

Urban planners and local stakeholders have praised the success of the project, particularly the thoughtful material selection and the interplay between warm brick tones and lush planting. As a result, Platz am Offers stands as a testament to sustainable urban development, blending historical preservation with modern-day functionality to create a vibrant, adaptable, and inviting public space.