Section 1:

Platz der Alten Synagoge

Im Jahr 2000 stellte die Künstlergruppe Büro für ungewöhnliche Maßnahmen einen gelben Wegweiser im Stil eines Verkehrszeichens auf, der die Aufschrift Gurs 1027 km trägt. Das erst nachträglich von der Stadtverwaltung genehmigte Mahnmal soll an die 1940 im Rahmen der Wagner-Bürckel-Aktion deportierten badischen Juden, darunter mehr als 400 aus Freiburg und näherer Umgebung erinnern. Ergänzt wurde das Verkehrshinweisschild durch eine Erklärungstafel.Vergleichbare Gurs-Mahnmale gibt es auch in anderen badischen und pfälzischen Städten; unter anderem in Mannheim, Bruchsal, Ludwigshafen und Neustadt an der Weinstraße.

Planungen zur Umgestaltung

Ende 2004 veranstaltete die Freiburger Stadtverwaltung an zwei Terminen eine „Planungswerkstatt Platz der Alten Synagoge“, die Vorschläge und Konzepte einer Platzumgestaltung und Ideen zur künftigen Nutzung entwickeln sollte. Am 21. März 2006 beschloss der Freiburger Gemeinderat den Umbau des Platzes der Alten Synagoge und brachte die neue Platzgestaltung öffentlich zur Ausschreibung.Die Wettbewerbsteilnehmer waren aufgefordert, neben allgemein urbanen Bebauungskonzepten auch „das Thema ‚Alte Synagoge‘ im Entwurf mit gestalterischen oder künstlerischen Mitteln aufzugreifen.“ Dabei sollte die „Erinnerung und Information zur Alten Synagoge und zum früheren bzw. heutigen jüdischen Leben in der Stadt“ berücksichtigt werden und „der Bereich der Alten Synagoge in der Platzkonzeption eher einen ruhigeren Charakter erhalten, zugleich aber auch Ort der Begegnung (‚Knesset‘) sein.“

Translation: LaPracTransla

In 2000, the artist group Büro für ungewöhnliche Maßnahmen (engl.: Office for unusual measures??) arranged a yellow signpost resembling a traffic sign, showing the inscription “Gurs 1027 km.“ The memorial was authorized by the city administration only after it was hung up and is a reminder of the Jewish people that were deported 1940 as part of the Wagner-Bürckel-Aktion. Among them, more than 400 people were from or near Freiburg. A board with explanations supplemented the sign. In other Baden and Palatine cities, there are comparable Gurs-memorials, for instance in Mannheim, Bruchsal or Ludwigshafen.

Plans for restructuring: At the end of 2004, the city administration of Freiburg organized a two-day “Planungswerkstatt Platz der Alten Synagoge“ (planning workshop for the Old Synagogue Square). This workshop had the purpose of developing suggestions and concepts for a reconstruction, as well as ideas for future utilization. On March 21, 2006, the local council of Freiburg proposed the reconstruction of the Old Synagogue Square and called for proposals for the new design. The participants were asked to come up with concepts for the urban development but also to think about a way of capturing “the topic ’Old Synagogue‘ in a draft with creative and artistic means.“ Hereby, the “memory and information for the Old Synagogue as well as for the former and respectively present life in the city“ was to be considered. “The concept of the area of the Old Synagogue should be of a calm character. At the same time though, it should represent a place of getting together (Knesset).“

(I was so unsure how to translate the last quote! Suggestions are welcome:) )

Proofreading: Superpanda55

In 2000, the artist group Büro für ungewöhnliche Maßnahmen arranged a yellow signpost resembling a traffic sign, showing the inscription “Gurs 1027 km.“ The memorial was authorized by the city administration only after it was hung up and it is a reminder of the Jewish people that were deported in 1940 as part of the Wagner-Bürckel-Aktion. Among them were more than 400 people from or near Freiburg. A tile (later in the text it is explained that this was a tile that lays on the floor) explanations supplemented the sign. In other Baden and Palatine cities, there are comparable Gurs-memorials, for instance in Mannheim, Bruchsal or Ludwigshafen.

Plans for restructuring: At the end of 2004, the city administration of Freiburg organized a two-day Planungswerkstatt Platz der Alten Synagog (planning workshop for the Old Synagogue Square). The purpose of this workshop was developing suggestions and concepts for a reconstruction, as well as coming up with ideas for future utilization. On March 21, 2006, the local council of Freiburg proposed the reconstruction of the Old Synagogue Square and called for proposals for the new design. The participants were asked to come up with concepts for the urban development, but also to think about a way of capturing “the topic ’Old Synagogue‘ in a draft with creative and artistic means.“ With this, the “memory and information of the Old Synagogue as well as the former and respectively present life of the Jewish community in the city“ was to be considered.“ and “The concept of the area of the Old Synagogue should harbor a calm atmosphere. At the same time, it should represent a place of getting together (Knesset).“

comments

Büro für ungewöhnliche Maßnahmen (engl.: Office for unusual measures??)I had had the same problem in my part, where an amt was mentioned, but when you go to the German version of the website of that amt, they don't translate their name. Therefore, I did not translate mine either. most of the time there is no equivalent of a German amt with the American or British government, that is why I would propose we keep such names untranslated. In my proofread article I made it cursive, so people would know it's a name.

Final Version: LaPracTransla

In 2000, the artist group Büro für ungewöhnliche Maßnahmen arranged a yellow signpost resembling a traffic sign, showing the inscription “Gurs 1027 km.“ The memorial was authorized by the city administration only after it was hung up and it is a reminder of the Jewish people that were deported in 1940 as part of the Wagner-Bürckel-Aktion. Among them were more than 400 people from or near Freiburg. A tile explanations supplemented the sign. In other Baden and Palatine cities, there are comparable Gurs-memorials, for instance in Mannheim, Bruchsal or Ludwigshafen.

Plans for restructuring:

At the end of 2004, the city administration of Freiburg organized a two-day Planungswerkstatt Platz der Alten Synagoge (planning workshop for the Old Synagogue Square). The purpose of this workshop was developing suggestions and concepts for a reconstruction, as well as coming up with ideas for future utilization. On March 21, 2006, the local council of Freiburg proposed the reconstruction of the Old Synagogue Square and called for proposals for the new design. The participants were asked to come up with concepts for the urban development, but also to think about a way of capturing “the topic ’Old Synagogue‘ in a draft with creative and artistic means.“ With this, the “memory and information of the Old Synagogue as well as the former and respectively present life of the Jewish community in the city“ was to be considered and “the concept of the area of the Old Synagogue should harbor a calm atmosphere. At the same time it should represent a place of getting together (Knesset).“

Section 2:

Der siegreiche Entwurf der Architekten Volker Rosenstiel und Martin Schedlbauer wurde in den Folgejahren noch mehrmals modifiziert. Der Platz sollte grundsätzlich in seiner Funktion als große Freifläche zwischen dem Stadttheater und der Universität erhalten bleiben. Da der Rotteckring mit der seinerzeitigen Verkehrsführung den zweitgrößten Platz der Stadt zerschnitten habe, sei dieser in seiner Gesamtheit nicht wahrgenommen worden. Deshalb sei aus Sicht der Stadt ein Umbau notwendig geworden, mit dem optisch die Flächen der aufgehobenen vierspurigen Straße und des Theatervorplatzes einbezogen werden. Die bestehenden Denkmäler sollten erhalten bleiben. Zusätzlich sollte ein Wasserbassin in Lage und Größe den exakten Grundriss der Alten Synagoge auf dem Platz nachzeichnen und an diese im Sinne einer Gedenkstätte symbolisch erinnern.

Ebenfalls im Frühjahr 2006 hatte das Universitätsbauamt Freiburg in Vertretung des Landes Baden-Württemberg einen begrenzt offenen Wettbewerb zur Neugestaltung der Universitätsbibliothek ausgelobt. Der umgesetzte siegreiche Entwurf eines fast vollständigen Neubaus durch des Basler Architekturbüro Degelo Architekten wurde im Oktober 2017 eröffnet.

Im Jahr 2007 wurde, anlässlich des Universitätsjubiläums, der verbleibende Teil des Werthmannplatzes in Platz der Universität umbenannt. Um Werthmann weiterhin mit einer Straße ehren zu können, wurde der Werderring in Werthmannstraße umbenannt.

Translation: MyMyosotis

The winning draft of architects Volker Rosenstiel and Matin Schedlbauer was modified multiple times in the following years. The square was intended to remain as a wide open space between the theatre and the university. Since the Rotteckring with its traffic ring had separated the second biggest square in town, the square hadn’t been utilised in its entirety. Therefore, the city council argued that a reconstruction to connect the former street to the theatre’s forecourt had become necessary. The existing monument was supposed to remain. Furthermore, a water basin of the size and outline, as well as the exact location of the old synagogue was meant to serve as a memorial.

In Spring 2006, the university’s building authorities as a representative of the state of Baden -Württemberg also initiated a contest in order to reconstruct the university library. The almost completed new library, based on a winning draft by the Basler architectural office Deglo Architekten, was opened in October 2017.

In 2007, on the occasion of the university’s anniversary, the remaining part of the Werthmannplatz was renamed “Platz der Universität” (University Square). In order to keep honouring Werthmann with a street name the Werderring was renamed “Werthmannstraße”.

Proofreading: LaPracTransla

The chosen draft of architects Volker Rosenstiel and Matin Schedlbauer was modified multiple times in the following years. The square was intended to remain as a wide open space between the theatre and the university. The second biggest square in the city was said to no longer be experienced as such, because it was divided by a traffic ring. This is why it was decided that the square should regain its old function of connecting the theater and the university. The city council argued that a reconstruction to connect the former street to the theatre’s courtyard had, therefore, become necessary. The existing monument was supposed to remain. Furthermore, a water basin of the size, outline, and exact location of the old synagogue was meant to serve as a memorial. (I changed the sentence a tiny bit so that there are less “and“) In Spring 2006, the university’s building authorities, as a representative of the state of Baden-Württemberg, also initiated a contest in order to reconstruct the university library. The almost completely new constructed library, based on a winning draft by the Basler architectural office Deglo Architekten, was opened in October 2017. In 2007, on the occasion of the university’s anniversary, the remaining part of the Werthmannplatz was renamed “Platz der Universität” (University Square). In order to keep honoring Werthmann with a street name, the Werderring was renamed Werthmannstraße.”

comments

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Final Version: MyMyosotis

The chosen draft of architects Volker Rosenstiel and Matin Schedlbauer was modified multiple times in the following years. The square was intended to remain as a wide open space between the theatre and the university. The second biggest square in the city was said to no longer be experienced as such, because it was divided by a traffic ring. This is why it was decided that the square should regain its old function of connecting the theater and the university. The city council argued that a reconstruction to connect the former street to the theatre’s courtyard had, therefore, become necessary. The existing monument was supposed to remain. Furthermore, a water basin of the size, outline, and exact location of the old synagogue was meant to serve as a memorial.

In Spring 2006, the university’s building authorities, as a representative of the state of Baden-Württemberg, also initiated a contest in order to reconstruct the university library. The almost completely new constructed library, based on a winning draft by the Basler architectural office Deglo Architekten, was opened in October 2017. In 2007, on the occasion of the university’s anniversary, the remaining part of the Werthmannplatz was renamed Platz der Universität (University Square). In order to keep honoring Werthmann with a street name, the Werderring was renamed Werthmannstraße.”

Section 3:

Umbau

Als Bestandteil des Projekts „Stadtbahn und Umgestaltung Rotteckring“ haben die Arbeiten 2012 mit der Sperrung des Rotteckrings begonnen und sollen 2018 abgeschlossen sein. In seiner Sitzung am 10. Dezember 2013 beschloss der Gemeinderat weitere Änderungen an dem sieben Jahre alten Plan, die auf Kritik der Freiburger Architektenkammer stießen. Nachdem bereits 2010 der Informationspavillon durch Bäume zur Beschattung des Platzes ersetzt wurde, sollte nun der Umbau des Theatervorplatzes eingespart und an Stelle des geplanten Wasservorhangs das urban gardening weitergeführt werden. Zur weiteren Verbesserung des Mikroklimas war geplant, in der Mitte des Platzes einen Wassersprudler zu installieren. Am 18. April 2016 erfolgte der offizielle Spatenstich für den Umbau des Platzes. Kurz darauf wurden Gleise für die Straßenbahn verlegt und an das bestehende Gleisnetz in der Bertoldstraße angeschlossen. Wegen des Theatervorplatzes und der direkt nördlich an die Kreuzung angrenzenden neuen Haltestelle konnte ein direkter Gleisbogen zwischen der Stadtbahn Rotteckring und der Ost-West-Achse nur für die Relation Erbprinzenstraße–Bertoldsbrunnen realisiert werden. Das Rotteckdenkmal wurde erneut eingelagert und die Liegende wurde im Inneren des Kollegiengebäudes II aufgestellt. Die Synagogengedenktafel lag vorübergehend vor der neuen Synagoge in der Engelstraße und wurde in den Brunnen am alten Standort integriert.

Translation: ShyGirlTranslator

As part of the project "Stadtbahn und Umgestaltung am Rotteckring" (eng. Tram and Redesign of Rotteckring) the construction work started in 2012 and is supposed to be finished by 2018. In a local council sitting of 2013 further changes of the plan were discussed and immediately criticised by members of the professional association of architects. After previous changes of the plan in 2010 further changes were made. Instead of rebuilding the theatre courtyard the city introduced plans for urban gardening there. The rebuilding officially began in 2016. Shortly afterwards new tram tracks were built and connected to previously existing ones. Other tracks are in construction however have to go another way as it is not possible otherwise. The landmark previoulsy found on Rotteckring is being stored in a warehouse during construction another landmark previously to be found has been positioned in one of the buildings of the Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg. A memorial plaque for the destroyed synagogue has been positioned at the newly installed fountain where the synagogue used to be.

Proofreading: MyMyosotis

As part of the project Stadtbahn und Umgestaltung am Rotteckring (Tram and Redesign of Rotteckring), the construction work started in 2012 and is supposed to be finished by 2018. In a local council sitting of 2013 further changes of the plan were discussed and immediately criticised by members of the professional association of architects. After previous changes of the plan in 2010, further changes were made. Instead of rebuilding the theatre courtyard the city introduced plans for urban gardening there. The rebuilding officially began in 2016. Shortly afterwards new tram tracks were built and connected to previously existing ones. Other tracks are in construction, however, the drafts had to be changed due to interference with an already existing tram station. The landmark Rotteckring is being stored in a warehouse during construction. Another landmark, die Liegende, previously to be found on the synagogue square, has been positioned in one of the buildings of the Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg. A memorial plaque for the destroyed synagogue has been placed at the newly installed fountain where the synagogue used to be

Final Version: ShyGirlTranslator

As part of the project Stadtbahn und Umgestaltung am Rotteckring (Tram and Redesign of Rotteckring), the construction work started in 2012 and is supposed to be finished by 2018. In a local council sitting of 2013 further changes of the plan were discussed and immediately criticised by members of the professional association of architects. After previous changes of the plan in 2010, further changes were made. Instead of rebuilding the theatre courtyard the city introduced plans for urban gardening there. The rebuilding officially began in 2016. Shortly afterwards new tram tracks were built and connected to previously existing ones. Other tracks are in construction, however, the drafts had to be changed due to interference with an already existing tram station. The landmark Rotteckring is being stored in a warehouse during construction. Another landmark, die Liegende, previously to be found on the Old Synagogue Square, has been positioned in one of the buildings of the Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg. A memorial plaque for the destroyed synagogue has been placed at the newly installed fountain where the synagogue used to be.

Section 4:

Ende September 2016 wurden bei den Erdarbeiten für den Synagogen-Grundriss-Brunnen Fundamentreste des jüdischen Gotteshauses gefunden. Es folgte eine öffentliche Debatte über eine Planänderung zum sichtbaren Erhalt der Steine. Sie wurde durch einen Gemeinderatsbeschluss am 15. November 2016 offiziell beendet, in dessen Folge ab Mitte November die verbliebenen Mauerfragmente mit Geotextil abgedeckt und mit Erde verfüllt wurden, um die Fundamentierung des Wasserbassins vorzubereiten; bereits Anfang November waren einige der freigelegten Steinreihen abgetragen worden. Bis Frühjahr 2018 soll in einem Moderationsverfahren der Umgang mit den Steinen festgelegt werden. 40 000 Euro sind dafür für zwei Jahre bewilligt worden.

Im Untergrund wurde eine Brunnenstube angelegt. Im März 2017 wurden auf dem Platz eine Platane – für eine beim Umbau beschädigte und gefällte – und neun Lederhülsenbäume gepflanzt. Sie erhielten ein unterirdisches Bewässerungssystem. Ursprünglich war die Bepflanzung mit Purpur-Erlen (Alnus spaethii) geplant, wovon jedoch wegen erhöhtem Allergierisiko Abstand genommen wurde. Da die Arbeiten schneller vorangingen als geplant, konnte der Platz – drei Monate früher als geplant – bereits am 2. August 2017 offiziell eingeweiht werden. Zwischen den 3000 Granitplatten, die aus einem Steinbruch im Bayerischen Wald kamen, sind auf dem Platz 12 Wasserdüsen installiert, die 1,5 Meter hohe Wasserfontänen sprühen können. Die hölzernen Sitz- und Liegepodeste um die großen Bäume herum waren ursprünglich nicht vorgesehen.

Translation: Amphitrite181

In September 2016, remains of the synagogue's fundament were found during the earthworks for the synagogue-shaped fountain. A public debate about whether or not to change plans in order to visibly preserve the stones followed. The debate was ended by a local council order on November 15th, 2016. The remaining fragments were covered with geotextile and filled with soil in order to prepare the foundation of the fountain, in the beginning of November some of the exposed stones had already been removed. Until spring 2018 it is to be decided how to handle the remaining stones. For that, 40 00 Euros have been granted for two years.

A water chamber was installed in the subsoil. In March 2017, a plane tree was planted on the square (because one was damaged and chopped down during the reconstructions), as well as nine honey locusts. They received a subterrestrial irrigation system. Originally, it was planned to plant Spaeth's alder trees (Alnus spaethii), which, however, bore a too high allergy risk. Since the construction works were fastern than anticipated, the square was inaugurated three months earlier than planned, on Augst 2., 2017. Among 3000 granit plates which come from a quarry in the Bavarian Forest National Park, 12 water nozzles are installed on the square, which emit 1,5m high water fountains. The wooden platforms surrounding the big trees were not originally planned.

Proofreading: ShyGirlTranslator

In September 2016, remains of the synagogue's foundation were found during the earthworks for the synagogue-shaped fountain. This was followed by a public debate about whether or not to change plans in order to visibly preserve the stones. The debate was ended by a local council order on November 15th, 2016 and the remaining fragments were covered with geotextile and filled with soil in order to prepare the foundation of the fountain. By the beginning of November some of the exposed stones had already been removed. A decision on what to do with the remaining stones was to be made by the spring of 2018. For that purpose 40,000 Euros had been granted over a period of two years.

A water chamber was installed in the subsoil. In March 2017, a plane tree was planted on the square (because one was damaged and chopped down during the construction works), as well as nine honey locusts. They received a subterrestrial irrigation system. Originally, it was planned to plant Spaeth's alder trees (Alnus spaethii), which unfortunately bore a too high allergy risk. Since the construction works were faster than anticipated, the square was inaugurated three months earlier than planned, on August 2., 2017. Among the 3,000 granit plates, which come from a quarry in the Bavarian Forest National Park, 12 water nozzles are installed on the square, which emit 1,5m high water fountains. The wooden platforms surrounding the big trees were not originally planned.

Final Version: Amphitrite181

In September 2016, remains of the synagogue's fundament were found during the earthworks for the synagogue-shaped fountain. A public debate about whether or not to change plans in order to visibly preserve the stones followed. The debate was ended by a local council order on November 15th, 2016. The remaining fragments were covered with geotextile and filled with soil in order to prepare the foundation of the fountain, in the beginning of November some of the exposed stones had already been removed. Until spring 2018 it is to be decided how to handle the remaining stones. For that, 40 00 Euros have been granted for two years.

A water chamber was installed in the subsoil. In March 2017, a plane tree was planted on the square (because one was damaged and chopped down during the reconstructions), as well as nine honey locusts. They received a subterrestrial irrigation system. Originally, it was planned to plant Spaeth's alder trees (Alnus spaethii), which, however, bore a too high allergy risk. Since the construction works were fastern than anticipated, the square was inaugurated three months earlier than planned, on Augst 2., 2017. Among 3000 granit plates which come from a quarry in the Bavarian Forest National Park, 12 water nozzles are installed on the square, which emit 1,5m high water fountains. The wooden platforms surrounding the big trees were not originally planned.

Section 5:

Weil die einstige Wiese mit ihrer Sandsteinmauer einen halben Meter höher lag, liegen die Baumwurzeln über dem Platzniveau. Es ist „die größte nichtkommerzielle Sitzfläche in der Innenstadt“, so der Leiter des Garten- und Tiefbauamtes Frank Uekermann. Rund 30 Tonnen Gewicht kann der Platz tragen. Allerdings ist das Problem der Fahrradabstellplätze noch nicht gelöst. Die Kosten für die Umgestaltung blieben bei 9,4 Millionen Euro. Gegen Ende Juli begann schon der Testlauf für den Gedenkbrunnen, der eine spiegelglatte Wasseroberfläche zeigte.

Am südlichen Ende des Platzes fehlen noch die Granitplatten, denn zwischen dem Synagogenbrunnen und dem Kollegiengebäude I wird ab 2019 die Baustellenzufahrt für die Sanierung des Kollegiengebäudes II zum Platz der Weißen Rose sein. Erst danach sollen sie verlegt werden.

Als Anfang 2018 das beim Umbau des Platzes entfernte Gurs-Mahnmal (das “Vehrkehrsschild”) mit Erklärungstafel wieder aufgestellt werden sollte, gab es Meinungsverschiedenheiten über den Standort. Während die Stadtverwaltung es an der Südwestecke des Platzes in der Nähe des Gedenkbrunnens aufstellen wollte, bevorzugten andere den alten Standort an der Bertoldstraße.[95] Ende März 2018 wurde das Gurs-Mahnmal schließlich an einem Laternenmast westlich des Gedenkbrunnens angebracht und die erläuternde Texttafel in die Steinplatte darunter eingelassen.

Nutzung

Da die hellen Granitplatten durch die intensive Nutzung schnell verschmutzen, hat die Stadtreinigung schon kurz nach der Eröffnung für 350.000 Euro ein spezielles Reinigungsfahrzeug angeschafft, das mit Dampf aus nanofiltriertem Wasser den Platz reinigt.

Translation: Superpanda55

Because the former meadow, surrounded by sandstone walls, was half a meter (about 20 inches) above the surrounding streets, the roots of the trees are now above the level of the square. The square is ‘’the biggest uncommercial seating area in the city center,’’ says the leader of the Garten- und Tiefbauamt Frank Uekermann. The square can withstand up to 30.000 kilograms. However, the problem with the lack of parking spots for bicycles has still not been solved. The costs for the reconstruction did not exceeds 9,4 million euros. Already around the end of July, test runs with the memorial fountain, which showed a completely flat, mirror-like surface, were started.

Big granite tiles are still missing on the south side of the square, because the access road to the Platz der weissen Rose, which is used to access the construction site of the second main building of the Albert-Ludwig University. Only after the renovations are done will the tiles be placed.

When the Gurs memorial with an explanatory sign was to be put back onto the square there were differences of opinion about its location. The city administration wanted it to be placed on the south-west corner of the square, close to the memorial fountain, others preferred its old location on the Bertoldstrasse. At the end of March it was attached to a lamppost to the west of the memorial fountain and the explanatory sign was embedded onto a stone tile underneath it.

Use

Because the light tiles made of granite stain quickly due to their intense usage, city cleaning purchased a special 350.000 euro cleaning vehicle briefly after the square’s opening. The device uses vapor made of Nano-filtered water.

Proofreading: Amphitrite181

Because the former meadow, surrounded by sandstone walls, was half a meter (about 20 inches) above the surrounding streets, the roots of the trees are now above the level of the square. The square is ‘’the biggest uncommercial seating area in the city center,’’ says the leader of the Garten- und Tiefbauamt Frank Uekermann. The square can withstand up to 30,000 kilograms. However, the problem posed by the lack of parking spots for bicycles has still not been solved yet. The costs for the reconstruction did not exceed 9,4 million euros. Around the end of July, test runs of the memorial fountain, which showed a completely flat, mirror-like surface, were started.

Big granite tiles are still missing on the south side of the square, because it interferes with the access road to the Platz der Weissen Rose, which is used to access the construction site of the second main building of the Albert-Ludwig University. In 2019, there will be an access road between the synagogue fountain and the univeristy's first main building to the "Platz der weißen Rose" for the construction site by the second main building of the Albert-Ludwig University. Only after the renovations are done will the tiles be placed.

When the Gurs memorial with an explanatory sign was to be put back onto the square there were disagreements about its location: The city administration wanted it to be placed on the south-west corner of the square, close to the memorial fountain, others preferred its old location on the Bertoldstrasse. At the end of March it was attached to a lamppost west of the memorial fountain and the explanatory sign was embedded in a stone tile underneath it.

Use

Because the light granite tiles stain quickly due to their intense usage, city cleaning purchased a special 350,000 euro cleaning vehicle briefly after the square’s opening. The device uses vapor made of nano-filtered water.

Final Version: Superpanda55

Because the former meadow, surrounded by sandstone walls, was half a meter (about 20 inches) above the surrounding streets, the roots of the trees are now above the level of the square. The square is ‘’the biggest uncommercial seating area in the city center,’’ says the leader of the Garten- und Tiefbauamt Frank Uekermann. The square can withstand up to 30,000 kilograms. However, the problem posed by the lack of parking spots for bicycles has not been solved yet. The costs for the reconstruction did not exceed 9,4 million euros. Around the end of July, test runs of the memorial fountain, which showed a completely flat, mirror-like surface, were started.

Big granite tiles are still missing on the south side of the square, because it interferes with the access road to the Platz der Weissen Rose, which is used to access the construction site of the second main building of the Albert-Ludwig University. In 2019, there will be an access road between the synagogue fountain and the univeristy's first main building to the Platz der weißen Rose for the construction site by the second main building of the Albert-Ludwig University. Only after the renovations are done will the tiles be placed.

When the Gurs memorial with an explanatory sign was to be put back onto the square there were disagreements about its location: The city administration wanted it to be placed on the south-west corner of the square, close to the memorial fountain, others preferred its old location on the Bertoldstrasse. At the end of March it was attached to a lamppost west of the memorial fountain and the explanatory sign was embedded in a stone tile underneath it.

Section 6:

Weil immer wieder Menschen den Brunnen als Planschbecken gebrauchten, wurden im November 2017 zwei Informationsstelen aufgestellt, die über die frühere Synagoge informieren und um angemessenes Verhalten bitten.

Platz der zerstörten Synagoge?

Der Historiker Bernd Martin, Vorsitzender der Kommission zur Überprüfung der Freiburger Straßennamen, schlug 2016 vor, dem Platz den Namen „Platz der zerstörten Synagoge“ zu geben, was auf Zustimmung von Oberbürgermeister Dieter Salomon stieß.

Im Juli 2017 berief sich die SPD-Fraktion des Freiburger Gemeinderates auf diesen Vorschlag und stellte in einem Brief an den Oberbürgermeister den entsprechenden Antrag, den „Platz der Alten Synagoge“ in „Platz der zerstörten Synagoge“ umzubenennen. Der bisherige Platzname erwecke den Anschein, so die SPD-Stadträte, „dass an jenem Platz ein aus welchen Gründen auch immer nicht mehr benötigtes Gotteshaus gestanden habe“; die „euphemistische bisherige Benennung täuscht darüber hinweg, was tatsächlich geschah, nämlich die Zerstörung des Gotteshauses der jüdischen Bevölkerung Freiburgs als Teil des Vernichtungszuges des nationalistischen Deutschen Reiches“. Im Gegensatz zu Salomon und der Mehrheit des Gemeinderates sprach sich die jüdische Gemeinde gegen eine Umbenennung aus.

Am 18. September 2017 beschloss der Hauptausschuss des Gemeinderates, den Vorschlag einer Platzumbenennung nicht weiter zu verfolgen.

Translation: MyMyosotis

In November 2017 two boards which inform about the former synagogue and request an appropriate behaviour were placed next to the memorial fountain, since people had been using it as a paddling pool.

Platz der zerstörten Synagoge? (Square of the Destroyed Synagogue)

The historian Bernd Martin, chairman of the Kommission zur Überprüfung der Freiburger Straßennamen (Commission of Freiburg’s Streetname’s Inspection), suggested in 2016 to change the square’s name from Platz der Alten Synagoge (Old Synagogue Square) to Platz der zerstörten Synagoge (Square of the Destroyed Synagogue). His idea was supported by Freiburg’s mayor Dieter Salomon.

In July 2017, the SPD Group of the city council referred to this suggestion in a written request to change the square’s name which was send to Salomon. In their opinion, the name Old Synagogue Square hides the fact that the synagogue was destroyed by the National Socialists of Nazi Germany with the intention to annihilate Freiburg’s jewish community. In contrary to Salomon and the majority of the city council, the jewish community spoke out against the renaming of the square.

On 18 September 2017, the city council dropped the renaming request.

Proofreading: ShyGirlTranslator

As of November 2017 two additional boards which inform about the former synagogue and request an appropriate behaviour were placed next to the memorial fountain, since people had been using it as a paddling pool.

Platz der zerstörten Synagoge? (Square of the Destroyed Synagogue)

In 2016 the historian Bernd Martin, chairman of the Kommission zur Überprüfung der Freiburger Straßennamen, suggested to change the square’s name from Platz der Alten Synagoge (Old Synagogue Square) to Platz der zerstörten Synagoge (Square of the Destroyed Synagogue). His idea was supported by Freiburg’s mayor Dieter Salomon.

About a year later, the SPD fraction of the city council referred to this suggestion in a written request to change the square’s name which was send to Salomon. In their opinion, the name Old Synagogue Square hides the fact that the synagogue was destroyed by the National Socialists (of Nazi Germany) (--> obvious) with the intention to annihilate Freiburg’s jewish community. In contrary to Salomon and the majority of the city council, the jewish community spoke out against the renaming of the square.

On 18 September 2017, the city council dropped the renaming request.

Final Version: As of November 2017 two boards which inform about the former synagogue and request an appropriate behaviour were placed next to the memorial fountain, since people had been using it as a paddling pool.

Platz der zerstörten Synagoge? (Square of the Destroyed Synagogue)

In 2016 the historian Bernd Martin, chairman of the Kommission zur Überprüfung der Freiburger Straßennamen, suggested to change the square’s name from Platz der Alten Synagoge (Old Synagogue Square) to Platz der zerstörten Synagoge (Square of the Destroyed Synagogue). His idea was supported by Freiburg’s mayor Dieter Salomon.

About a year later, the SPD fraction of the city council referred to this suggestion in a written request to change the square’s name which was send to Salomon. In their opinion, the name Old Synagogue Square hides the fact that the synagogue was destroyed by the National Socialists with the intention to annihilate Freiburg’s jewish community. In contrary to Salomon and the majority of the city council, the jewish community spoke out against the renaming of the square.

On 18 September 2017, the city council dropped the renaming request.

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