The Domachse is a major series of streets connecting Hamburg's historic centre, the Innenstadt, with its riverside harbour. Over the next several decades, the Innenstadt will evolve from a primarily commercial district into a more residential, mixed-use neighbourhood. In late 2023, Hamburg City Council invited Publica to join an idea’s competition to shape the future of the Domachse.

Our proposal sets out a long-term vision for a more welcoming, inclusive street that supports a denser, more liveable Innenstadt. A robust calendar of temporary events will activate the area whilst phased physical interventions are delivered over three years. These early improvements invite the community to take part in the vision and infrastructure as it materialises, creating more welcoming spaces for children, young people, older residents, families, visitors, and workers alike. A Domachse for All.

Publica identified 12 existing events in Hamburg that could expand to the Domasche, anchored by well-established events such as the Binnenalster FilmFest and the Duckstein-Festival. Inspired by Hamburg’s history and culture, Publica developed seven additional events to reinforce the Domasche as a prime destination. A herring festival to celebrate the city’s cuisine and connection to the sea, or a typography festival to continue the city’s long-standing association with the press.

While the events position the Domachse as a prime destination in the Innenstadt, it is the accompanying infrastructural improvements that perpetuate the long-term vision. These enhancements will be delivered in phases, each aligned with a year of the events calendar. At every event, a light-touch improvement will be unveiled, reinforcing the public realm’s transformation.

Playful feature lighting of arcades, trees and landmarks invite visitors to wander the streets; a variety of new seating types encourage people to gather and dwell in the space; specimen trees and groves enhance the ‘green feel’ of the street and offer shade, texture and improve drainage; new surfaces and street furniture that double as seating, stages, and plinths provide for the diverse range of proposed events.

The result of three years of events and improvements is a street revitalised by lasting connections, shared experiences, and actionable, achievable interventions that enhance its appeal in the short term, and its sustainability for the future.

Publica's vision for the Domachse was presented to the public in Hauptkirche St Katharinen on 13th October 2023.