Walther-Bothe-Straße, Oranienburg

Walther-Bothe-Strasse is located in the southern part of Oranienburg’s town centre, nestled within the designated urban renewal area known as the “Weiße Stadt” (White City). At present, the street is heavily dominated by car traffic. Wide carriageways, extensive parking areas and a high degree of surface sealing leave little room for public amenity or green infrastructure. And yet, the area holds great potential – with its well-established neighbourhoods, valuable tree population and close proximity to the River Havel and its striking steel bridge. This is precisely where the Copa-Orania project takes root: transforming eastern Walther-Bothe-Strasse into a green, future-oriented climate boulevard – a vibrant east-west corridor in the heart of the city and a visible symbol of the transition towards a climate-adapted, liveable Oranienburg.

As part of the urban development funding programme “Growth and Sustainable Renewal – Upgrading”, the redesign of eastern Walther-Bothe-Strasse is to become a flagship project for sustainable urban transformation. The goal was to develop a concept that responds to the challenges of climate change – particularly by reducing heat islands, managing rainwater responsibly, and promoting ecological diversity. At the same time, the quality of public space was to be improved while preserving the district’s urban identity. The challenge: To design a forward-thinking street profile that balances mobility, environmental concerns, and public amenity – without overwhelming the existing neighbourhood or disrupting its established structure.

Copa-Orania – Green, Connected, Resilient

Copa-Orania is being developed as a continuous green corridor, structured into four clearly defined zones: the boulevard, the climate square in front of the civic centre, a school interaction zone, and a riverside park along the Havel. These spaces are functionally interconnected and reinforce the relationship between urban life and nature. A central element is the extensive unsealing of surfaces, material reuse, all combined with intelligent, low-tech rainwater management. Water is collected in swales, allowed to infiltrate locally, or stored in cisterns to support vegetation during dry periods. Planting will focus on climate-resilient, low-maintenance perennials, grasses, and tree species that are both ecologically valuable and beneficial to the urban microclimate.

The redesigned streetscape will offer diverse opportunities for use – including seating areas, play spaces, flowering meadows, shady tree clusters, and clearly defined traffic zones. Car traffic will be significantly reduced in favour of 180 bicycle parking spaces, barrier-free pathways, and a mobility hub offering e-bikes and cargo bikes. A new underground car park will ensure accessibility for local residents. Materials, street furniture, and maintenance concepts will follow the principles of sustainability. Preservation, reuse of materials, durable construction, restrained design, and resource-efficient upkeep will ensure long-term functionality and aesthetic value.

The implementation of Copa-Orania will take place in several construction phases. The initial focus is on the area west of the civic centre, where the boulevard will form a welcoming gateway to the Weiße Stadt. This will be followed by the climate square, school zone, and riverside park. With Copa-Orania, a project is being realised that will resonate far beyond Oranienburg. It serves as a model for climate-resilient urban development – offering high-quality public space, and uniting everyday life, community and nature in a sustainable urban neighbourhood for the future.

Concept

Zoom Area Boulevard

Section Boulevard

Zoom Area Climate Square at the Civic Centre