Marketplace conversion in Offenbach: eye-catching canopy is coming

Replacement for the former tent roof stop

As part of the conversion of the market square in Offenbach, the preparatory construction work for the assembly of the canopy, a green weather protection as a replacement for the former tent roof stop in the area of ​​the local pharmacy, will start today, Monday, March 6th. The work is expected to be completed by mid-April 2023.

The construction is not a classic stop. “The weather protection is intended to act as a new architectural sign in the form of a sculpture for Offenbach’s city center for those waiting for public transport as part of the modernization of Offenbach’s market square,” explains Paul-Gerhard Weiß, Head of Construction and Planning: “The canopy of leaves creates a public space with a high quality of stay for those waiting and as a meeting point for passers-by. This expands the original function of the waiting stop and gives the stop greater public and urban significance.” The steel structure was designed by the architects Just & Burgeff from Frankfurt.

Made up of three basic modules

The new stop is made up of three basic modules. These each consist of a roof element with a trapezoidal sheet metal slightly folded in the middle, a load-bearing steel structure and a bench directly connected to it. The canopy was optically inspired by the existing trees and its filigree support structure is reminiscent of branches with a roof designed on the basis of a tree leaf, which is extensively planted. The supporting steel construction is reminiscent of the trunks of the trees, the arrangement of the benches refers to the roots of the trees.

The extensive roof greening supports the “future concept of the city center” defined by the city of Offenbach am Main, since the greening of the weather protection connects the existing green areas with each other as a “stepping stone” and thus a striking beginning of the “Green Belt” – which extends to the square of German unity will pull – is defined. In this way, the green roof also contributes to the urban climate.

Local public transport affected by the construction site

Local public transport is also affected by the construction work. The bus stop for line 101 will be moved southwards as a replacement stop for the period of construction work. The bus entrance is not barrier-free for the duration of the relocation – but the buses use the lowering of the vehicle so that the entrance can also be managed with a walking aid. During this time, wheelchair users will need the support of passengers or the bus driver. The stop will be relocated for a period of around eight weeks. On the western side of the market square (in the area of ​​the Schwanen pharmacy), pedestrians can continue to walk along the construction site in front of the building front. During the erection and work on the three steel constructions, the progress can be easily and safely observed from the barriers.

(Text: PM City of Offenbach)