Via Maistra winds its way between houses arranged in a checkerboard pattern. It emerges from a narrow passage, crosses a square diagonally, reaches the next narrow passage, crosses the next square diagonally, and so on. I.U. Könz vividly describes this lively structure as «sociable groups with house fronts facing each other» around the old fountain squares. This settlement pattern inspires us in the design of the new houses around Antoniuskirche because it has its roots in the past of the place and can serve as a model for its future.
Admittedly, this historical reference forms a counter-design to the settlement pattern of multi-family houses in fenced-off green spaces, which characterises the immediate surroundings of the planning perimeter – but it is a promising model for lively, dense neighbourhoods! Four full storeys would also be possible within the permissible building height. If we limit ourselves to three, the church remains the defining height accent, to which the new buildings are subordinate. The sculpturally dynamic form of the buildings forms an ensemble with the structured church building. The projections and recesses of the old and new buildings are coordinated with each other, creating shared open spaces that are open to both the parish and the residents.
