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Maxwan + Lola win Hannover competition

LOLA landscape architects and MAXWAN urbanists have won the competition for the Marstall area in Hannover.
After being selected for the second round, LOLA and MAXWAN designed two buildings and a new multi functional square in Hannover that can be used all year round.

The City of Hannover’s Marstall area is currently a parking lot bound by shopping, the Leine River, residential, and a red light district. Placing buildings on the ends frames a well proportioned public space and maximizes the number of housing units – a key goal of the city.

The two buildings differ greatly based on their context. The building along river is more open to allow views out toward the square/river, while the building near city is more closed creating interior privacy. Meanwhile, in context with each of their surroundings, the materiality of river building is of stone, while the cityside building is of more contemporary materials. What may seem like two contradictory statements, creates two interesting buildings – an open building of stone and a more closed building with a contemporary feel.

In both cases the plinth is ‘cut’ to create easier walking routes, while the upper levels retain a more robust form. The riverside building contains a space that is usable as either a cultural space or as shops. A shared space is created on the roof with great views. Additionally, the building opens up at the ground level onto a generous ramping, stepped terrace allowing users a place to sit, but also forming an amphitheater, ideal for small performances.

In the center of Marstall lies a multifunctional open space on a slightly tilting plane. In this way, the square transitions from a sunken square, to an at grade pavilion passage, into a stage. Trees are preserved in certain locations creating an intimate character, others are removed opening the space and allowing in light. The plaza is modeled for both permanent use and seasonal use.