Koblenz

Koblenz, throughout its long history, has always been a fortified town with a strong military presence. From the roman founding on is was fortificated during different eras. After WW II is was one of the biggest garrison town in Germany. In this context Koblenz was hit hard by the changes after the fall of the iron curtain. Since then more and more military location were given up.

In the 19th century the city of Koblenz was fortificated by the Prussians. This defensivesystem, of high historical and monumental value, in this moment generates some difficulties for the enhancement and for the maintenance. The Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, the largest of the system, is owned by the state. This is in good condition because of a number of investments the last year. It’s a touristic highlight, with museums, gastronomy and education activities.
The other fortresses are owned by the cities. But due to financial priorities for other projects, the buildings are in bad state of repair. For some of these buildings are born some initiatives, from local cultural organizations, aimed at the maintenance and enhancement.

The Prussian building are the reason, why Koblenz became part of the UNESCO world heritage list “Upper Middle-Rhine-Valley” in 2002. The special challenge of the city of Koblenz comes from it’s traditional role as a garrison town to image. In the past the city was populated by 20.000 soldiers and civil military servants in Koblenz, and that represented the 15% of the population. Today it’s about 5.000 person. According to this fact most of the former military compound are large but empty. Starting from
this past role the idea of the project is addressed to transformation of this former military heritage in a new urban hub for the whole city.