Erlbach-Kirchberg
Transforming spaces: The multifunctional village square in Erlbach-Kirchberg combines nature and community life
Basic info
Country:
Germany (Ore Mountain Basin)
Area:
ca. 16 km²
Population:
ca. 1600 inhabitants
Density:
105 inhabitants/km²
Summary:
Where once the historic "Zur Linde" inn stood in Erlbach-Kirchberg, an innovative community space has emerged, featuring sustainable materials, local plant species, and a water feature that pays homage to the site's heritage. The revitalization project successfully transformed a vacant lot into a meeting point that combines recreational areas, children's playgrounds, and eco-friendly parking spaces, demonstrating how thoughtful planning can reinvigorate rural communities while addressing both social and environmental needs.
References:
Keywords
Biodiversity enhancement | Climate-positive design | Conceptual tree planting and care | Creating recreational infrastructure | Enhancing architectural values | Flood and drought control | Green and open space design | Repurposing sites and structures | Stormwater management | Strengthening local identity
Gallery
"Instead of a scar in the village fabric, we wanted a place where the community could meet again."
Alexandra Lorenz-Kuniß, Head of the villages of Erlbach-Kirchberg and Ursprung, Municipality of Lugau
Issues Addressed
At the heart of Erlbach-Kirchberg once stood the “Zur Linde” inn – a place that shaped the social life of the village. When the inn stood empty and was finally demolished, it left not only a physical gap but also a wound in the social fabric of the community. The central aim of the project was to create a new focal point for the village community. This wasn’t just about creating any space, but rather a vibrant meeting point that combines various functions: community gathering areas, play areas for children, and necessary parking spaces for visitors to the nearby school and church.
Approaches and Solutions
In implementing the project, innovative approaches were developed to merge practical needs with environmental consciousness. Natural stone was selected for the pathways, while the children’s play area was outfitted with specialized synthetic safety surfacing. For the parking areas, gravel surfacing was chosen as a permeable alternative to traditional sealed pavement. The planting of native fruit trees and flowering perennials not only creates a pleasant atmosphere but also promotes local biodiversity. A water feature with linden leaves reminds visitors of the old inn and thus the history of the place.
Actors and Stakeholders
The Lugau city administration took the leading role, while the local council was the driving force behind the ideation. Funding was supported by grants from the Integrated Rural Development Program (ILE). The maintenance of the area is handled by the municipality and the local building yard. The main beneficiaries are the village residents, especially families, as well as visitors to the nearby school and church who benefit from the new infrastructure.
Challenges and Opportunities
One of the biggest challenges was the flooding issue. Between 2010 and 2013, the square was regularly flooded. The solution was found in the thoughtful choice of materials: water-permeable surfaces now enable better seepage of surface water. Initial scepticism about the gravel surface in the parking areas, particularly regarding winter snow removal, proved to be unfounded.
Outcomes and Lessons Learnt
The redesign brought several important benefits: it created an attractive, year-round meeting point for the village community while simultaneously improving the ecological quality of the site through sustainable construction methods and well-thought-out planting. The central message of the project lies in the importance of communal spaces for rural areas. It demonstrates how a vacant lot can be transformed into a vibrant place that considers both social and ecological aspects. The project in Erlbach-Kirchberg stands as a successful example of how thoughtful planning and community engagement can contribute to the revitalization of rural spaces.
Selected major projects and awards
- Demolition of the inn “Zur Linde” (2003)
- Planning and construction of the Lindeplatz square (2011 – 2014)
- District winner in the ‘Our village has a future’ competition (2014)