“2020” Downtown Area Development, CH-Arbon
As part of the redevelopment of the former Saurer site, Arbon’s new city center is taking shape at the northern end of this large-scale neighborhood. The neighborhood serves as a link between the Old Town, the train station, the lake, and the Saurer site, and is bounded by St. Galler Strasse and Stickereistrasse.
The composition of three distinct structures makes it possible to respond to each situation in a nuanced way. The recurring theme of basic industrial forms (shed, silo, and depot) allows the different volumes to coalesce into a unified ensemble while simultaneously reflecting the history and spirit of the site. The new town square, created by setting back the Schedhalle, gives the town center a clear, prominent location facing the lake and the train station. It also draws more attention to the bus station and creates a connection to the town.
The silo’s end building, designed as a focal point, engages with the neighboring Rosengarten development, the two planned hotel towers, and the end building of the Hamel building, thereby integrating the new ensemble even more closely into its surroundings. To optimize wayfinding within the city center and strengthen connections to surrounding neighborhoods, visual and pedestrian axes are being planned in the form of urban-industrial alleys.
