Client
Town of Traunstein
Landscape architecture
Lohrer.Hochrein Landscape Architects and Urban Planners GmbH
Photos
Christoph Mittermüller
Completion
2025
Project Team DAY & LIGHT
Frank Vetter
Thorben Hansson
In just over a year, the Maxplatz in the large district town of Traunstein has been transformed – a metamorphosis that is almost miraculous. Once barely noticeable as more than an appendage to the magnificent market square, characterised by traffic areas and car parking rather than quality public space, it now presents itself after a refurbishment undertaken while still in use as a traffic-calmed, high-quality paved area, interspersed with green islands and a wealth of trees.
The most convincing proof of its success is provided by the citizens themselves: since its reopening in May 2025, they have immediately and in large numbers embraced the square – for eating, drinking, having ice cream, playing, and strolling, in a relaxed and inviting atmosphere.
This special quality continues into the evening hours – subtle yet perceptible. The reason only becomes apparent to the attentive observer: there are no dazzling light sources. Instead, an atmospherically pleasant space is created, structured by zoning, accents, and contrasts, which on the one hand make the space's geometry legible and on the other hand create individual seating areas.
The visual comfort is at the heart of this. With simple yet effective means, a lighting technology has been (further) developed that ensures complete shielding of the light sources above 60° to the vertical. This prevents stray light from entering neighbouring windows, treetops and the wider environment, while hardly any disturbing luminances occur in the main field of perception. The lens technology with space optics has been supplemented with special shields: these also ensure a subtle softening of the luminance at the luminaire head, so that no dazzling of individual light points occurs.
When determining the amount of light, utility and actual use were paramount: avoiding superfluous radiation took precedence over the pure efficiency metric of „lumens per watt.“ The resulting improved adaptation behaviour and vision enabled a reduced overall illuminance.
Between the kiosk, benches, and fountain, enough darkness is deliberately retained to allow for the creation of individual little islands of light. Underscoring these areas creates intimate zones, which foster a high level of comfort and appeal.
During the day, children conquer the water fountains, and in the evening, a colourful light show is added – a magnet for older children and spectators who gather around this special highlight.
