Braunschweig: Students Envision Future Uses for the Former Rennelberg Prison Site
Bold student visions reimagine a former prison as a lively urban hub
Students at Braunschweig University of Technology (TU Braunschweig) have developed designs for repurposing the area surrounding the former Rennelberg correctional facility. Their proposals are now on display in the second-floor foyer of the historic town hall (Platz der Deutschen Einheit 1) during opening hours until May 20.
The city aims to redevelop the entire site, including adjacent areas, into a new urban district, according to a press release from the town hall. In December 2018, the administrative committee approved a resolution to draft a development plan for the area.
Students Develop Visions for the Future of Rennelberg Prison
In line with this goal, students from TU Braunschweig's Institute of Urban Design and Design Methodology have now explored potential future uses for the former prison site and its surroundings. Their work has produced compelling design concepts that could inform a high-quality urban development strategy.
"I welcome the fact that Professor Brederlau's department at TU Braunschweig has engaged with the repurposing of the former Rennelberg prison site," says Gerold Leppa, the city's head of urban planning. "This demonstrates the university's strong connection to the city and gives students the opportunity to tackle real-world challenges with practical relevance. The designs showcase diverse approaches, reflecting forward-thinking engagement with heritage preservation, sensitive densification, and contemporary urban planning."
The Three Award-Winning Designs
First Prize goes to Franziska Heininger and Johannes Quirin for their proposal, "From Walls to Togetherness: Transforming the Former Rennelberg Prison." Their design creates an attractive, open neighborhood with symmetrical axes converging on a spacious central square, envisioned as a creative campus.
Second Prize is awarded to Adriana Gens and Mareike Meier for "Rennelberg Prison: When Barriers Fall." Their concept emphasizes opening up the former prison grounds, creating generous courtyard spaces through new construction, and establishing a "climate forest" park along a central pathway.
Third Prize goes to Sarah Suttner López and Robert Sievert for "Neighborhood Instead of Prison: Community Over Walls." Their design introduces a new "Rennelbergtwete" (a local term for a small street or alley) and "Rennelbergplatz" (square), along with a district gallery that prioritizes preserving existing structures while promoting small-scale development.
The presentation of these designs does not yet mark the start of development. Key decisions will depend on the outcome of the ongoing sale process for the prison site, currently being coordinated between the state and the city. Once a clear development concept for the former prison grounds is established, discussions on the surrounding area will follow—with these student designs providing a valuable foundation.
This summer, the former prison will temporarily transform into a festival venue. In June, the Theaterformen festival will take place on-site with an extensive program.
