Networking & connecting:
The main direction of the Lenzhard neighbourhood runs from east to west. The route network could be described according to a «ladder principle», with the east-west connections as primary, continuous axes forming the «spars» and the north-south connections as secondary «rungs» stretched between them. Against this background, it becomes clear how important the east-west connections, i.e., Industriestrasse, Murackerstrasse, Zeughausstrasse and Dragonerstrasse, are for the development of the west of Lenzburg. A specific proposal for upgrading each of these streets is made: Industriestrasse is to become a «forest promenade», Murackerstrasse a promenade with a playground, Zeughausstrasse is to form the new address of the neighbourhood as a square and Dragonerstrasse will become a pocket park.
The open spaces as the real protagonists:
New neighbourhoods need places that are quickly appropriated: Places where people like to meet, with a café and trees that provide shade. Meadows where kids like to play. Alleyways that are not only used for access, but also for socialising. Courtyards where private gardens flourish. Squares, playgrounds, alleyways, garden courtyards: the list makes it clear that it is the open spaces that will define the identity of the neighbourhood.
Mirroring the surroundings – high at the edges, low in the centre:
The distribution of the building masses reflects the density of the neighbourhood. Along Industriestrasse, where the density of commercial buildings is also high opposite, houses are placed densely; near the armoury, the large warehouses set the scale for the new cantonal school. The situation is different in the centre of the site and on the southern and western edges: Here, height and density remain low. Four-storey terraced buildings and two-storey annexes form a garden city structure. Gardens, terraces and meeting places emphasise the small-scale, compartmentalised character.
Few basic elements, diverse constellations:
A few basic structural elements give the variety of open spaces a robust spatial setting. The uniform structure gives the neighbourhood a distinctive identity in a heterogeneous environment.
Diversity of the dedications:
The different residential areas are characterised by access situations with varying degrees of publicity and thresholds between collectively shared and private spaces. All flat types offer the opportunity to withdraw as well as to come into contact with neighbours.
