From the car to the pedestrian zone: Aachen's change in the cityscape

From the car to the pedestrian zone: Aachen's change in the cityscape

The change in the urban area of Aachen: A look back at traffic history

Over the years, Aachen has experienced a remarkable transformation, especially with regard to the use of the urban traffic area. The changes in the transport infrastructure and public places are not only a local matter, but also reflect a wider trend that takes place in many German cities.

from the car caradies to the pedestrian zone

In the 1960s, parking was an everyday reality right on the doorstep. Cars could be parked without any problems in the middle of the city, on the Aachen Markt - surrounded by historical buildings such as the Aachen Cathedral and the town hall. This autonomy of private transport was a sign of its time. But this condition should not be permanent.

A change began in the early 1980s: the Aachen market was traffic -conscious, which made it a popular place for events and gastronomy. The conversion of the Dahmengraben into the first pedestrian zone of Aachen in 1969 was controversial and accompanied by protests. Many citizens saw this a threat to retail. Despite these concerns, it should be found that the establishment of pedestrian zones can have positive effects on sales.

The history of the Mayers' bookstore and the change of space

Another central point in the development of Aachen is the fate of the Mayersche Bookstore, which was founded in the Büchel 43 house in 1833. Over the years, the company developed into Germany's fourth largest largest book trade company. But the original building could not stay in the urban context. In the 1960s, it had to give way to the Büchel car park, a project that was never really fitted into the cityscape. After the parking garage was closed in 2021, only the hope for a redesign of the area remains.

memory of the tram

Another interesting aspect of the Aachen traffic history is in the history of the tram. For almost a century, the tram was an integral part of urban life and made it easier for commuters to move. With one of the largest tram networks in Germany, which led to the neighboring countries, she transported numerous passengers. In 1974, however, the company was discontinued and the tracks were largely broken down. This decision remains controversial to this day: while some miss the tram painfully, others are committed to their return.

A look at the future

The continued decline in retail in Aachen, especially on the Dahmengraben, can be seen as part of a major problem of many inner cities in Germany. The winners and losers of urban development are often inseparable. The planned regiotram could be a way to revitalize public transport and at the same time create new impulses for the city. This shows that the debate about traffic and urbanity is not completed, but must be continuously continued.

conclusions

The history of traffic in Aachen is an example of the constant change of urban rooms. The decision to introduce pedestrian zones and reduce private transport has not only changed the cityscape, but also the way people move in the city. The challenges that this change brought with it are still present, and the discussions about the future development of public transport and the city center of Aachen remain central to the city society.

- Nag