White Arkitekter and Möhrle + Partner win competition for a new urban quarter in Germany

The project is being developed with property developer GIEAG on behalf of the City of Sindelfingen, in the Untere Planie area. The design draws on the town’s distinctive character, shaped by timber-framed houses, a historic town wall and post-war buildings.

The proposal strengthens connections between one of the town’s squares, the old town and Ferkelmarkt, a public gathering place. Buildings along Planiestraße frame the square, with two gateway buildings creating a welcoming entrance to the old town. New routes make it easier to move through the area, including an accessible route connecting the square with the historic centre.

The new buildings combine homes with ground-floor spaces for shops, cafés and other businesses. These uses help create a lively neighbourhood throughout much of the day. Residential entrances are located along Burggasse, giving residents a quieter approach to their homes while the ground-floor businesses bring activity to the surrounding streets. The apartments have well-defined, dual-aspect layouts, with generous daylight and views in different directions.

In Block 1, below Burggasse, a new building complements its neighbours while introducing a character of its own. Its scale and roofscape respond to the historic centre through a contemporary architectural expression. A sheltered passage leads to a green courtyard, offering residents a peaceful, secluded place to spend time.

“An important starting point has been to find a scale and an architectural expression that feel at home in Sindelfingen while bringing something new. We want to build on the town’s identity and make room for new homes, businesses and more opportunities for people to connect in everyday life,” says Fredrik Larsson, Lead Architect and Deputy Office Director, White Arkitekter Stuttgart.

A central part of the project is the transformation of Ferkelmarkt, the historic marketplace. It will comprise two complementary spaces: an open square with natural stone paving and trees, and a green space for play and gathering. The green space will replace an existing car park, with its impermeable surfacing removed. Natural stone paving, seating steps and short flights of stairs following the terrain will connect the two spaces.

New green spaces, trees and climbing plants on façades will provide shade, support a comfortable microclimate and enhance biodiversity. Replacing hard surfaces with planting and permeable materials will also help slow rainwater runoff.