Rejuvenating public life in Germany’s renowned ‘Auto’ City

Giving public spaces a new lease of life

Like many cities globally, Wolfsburg emerged from the COVID-19 pandemic with an increased sensibility to the role of public spaces and the qualities and experiences people have within them. Trends of declining high street retail also contributed to the desire to evaluate Wolfsburg’s pedestrian spaces and begin planning for a more vibrant urban setting. 

Over four days, Gehl conducted a Public Space and Public Life survey (PSPL) along Porschestraße — a 1,3km pedestrian street at the heart of the city. The study found that the street was heavily frequented, with minimal differences between weekdays and weekend activity, and that despite limited gastronomic options, eating and drinking were the main observable activities, especially during business hours. In response Gehl’s recommendations included leveraging markets and events, introducing an event calendar to activate the city center, and creating concepts for temporary uses in vacant properties and gaps as catalysts for public life.

The city began in earnest, completing two pilot projects at either end of Porschestraße. The process gave the city confidence to try simple and quick solutions instead of committing to long-term bureaucratic planning strategies and processes.