Three Squares, One Center – The Open Space Concept for Verden’s City Center

An Urban Fabric in Transition
The three closely interwoven squares form a historic and social center of particular significance. They serve as arrival points, places to linger, and meeting spaces – as locations for commerce as well as remembrance culture and leisure. The concept aims to shape this ensemble as a coherent urban space without losing the distinctive character of each square. It is based on an overarching design principle that combines spatial connectivity, the circle motif, climate-adapted solutions, and the promotion of biodiversity. The result is a robust, contemporary urban space that responds to the challenges of climate change while honoring Verden’s history.

New green-framed seating areas invite people to stay. The local landmark “Mückenschiss” also gains a stronger presence as a meeting point through its placement on a planted plinth. Water takes on a new role: multifunctional fountains provide cooling and invite playful interaction, yet can be deactivated during events. The traffic-calmed character is reinforced by a uniform paving design, while outdoor dining and bicycle parking continue to fulfill important functions.

A new equestrian monument honors Anita Augspurg – jurist, women’s rights activist, and a significant voice of the democratic movement. Access is staged by a structured “green ribbon” that creates small places to linger, seating areas, and bicycle parking. This is complemented by history stones with QR codes that communicate historical content digitally, transforming the square into a place of remembrance and civic education.

Domplatz – Historic Setting an Multifaceted Urban Space
South of the cathedral, Domplatz opens up as a generous square of high historical significance. The redesign is carried out with care in order to preserve the authenticity of the site. At the same time, targeted additions create new spatial qualities and ecological value. Reinforced grass replaces parts of the gravel surface, increasing both infiltration capacity and green coverage. Two existing lawns are transformed into diverse flowering meadows that recall historic monastery gardens and provide valuable habitats for insects. Accessible via grass paths, they become quiet places of relaxation.
The southern area remains an active lawn for events but receives subtle topographical modeling that creates new places to stay and visual connections to the cathedral. Beneath St. Andrew’s Church, light perennial plantings ensure greater transparency, biodiversity, and seasonal structure. The playground in the southwest is expanded into an intergenerational space for movement and encounter that combines play equipment, fitness facilities, and barrier-free seating following the circular design motif.

A Future-Proof Urban Space – Water, Climate, and Biodiversity in Focus
The redesign creates a coherent urban space that combines historical significance, design quality, and ecological resilience. The characteristic brick paving remains the guiding material but is differentiated according to use. The City of Verden continues its strategy of climate-adapted urban development: unsealing, permeable surfaces, and reinforced grass improve water management, reduce heat, and create a pleasant microclimate. Water fountains provide cooling and enhance the quality of stay.
At the same time, the concept strengthens biodiversity through climate-resilient tree species, species-rich planting areas, and ecological connectivity. The result is a distinctive, intergenerational, and sustainable urban structure that preserves Verden’s historic core while preparing it for future challenges.