Making urban culture visible

When was the Stork Tower built? Where was the old Neustadt town hall? Who was Kunigunde? Interested residents and tourists can now explore these answers and more for themselves at relevant locations in Neustadt an der Weinstraße. The barrier-free information and wayfinding system gives buildings and sights more visibility. The information boards show directions for pedestrians as well as an adventure tour and large maps of the surroundings. The texts were written by cultural ambassador Michael Landgraf and edited by monument conservator Dr. Stefan Ulrich. In the spirit of sustainability, a digital component by the Mannheim-based company contagt GmbH complements the analogue guidance system. Further historical and current information can be called up via a QR code. An audio track in German, English and French starts automatically at the destinations, making it possible for the visually impaired to experience the place.

The tourist guidance system covers the core of the city. Since the end of August 2022, it has been gradually installed at the designated locations. On 19 January 2023, it was officially opened by Mayor Marc Weigel together with Petra Dick-Walther, State Secretary of the Rhineland-Palatinate Ministry of Economics, Transport, Agriculture and Viticulture. The planning of the guidance system, including the graphic design, was done by city concepts, Heidelberg. It was realised by the guidance system specialist meng. Visually, it has a lot to offer. Corten steel was chosen as the support material for the steles. Its lively and individual surface is created by a deliberate protective layer of rust. This material advantage also provides protection against vandalism in that stickers stick badly and lettering can be sanded off. The information boards attached to it are uniformly structured and visually easy to grasp. The predominant sandstone in the townscape is reflected in the design. In addition to the stelae with Corten steel, there are wall panels, star signs and information signs. The latter could be attached to existing street signs. The project was funded by the European Regional Development Fund of the state of Rhineland-Palatinate. Accessibility is an important issue for Neustadt. The aim of the guidance system is to enable people with physical disabilities or families with prams to explore the city. Therefore, non-accessible sections were adapted by the city's civil engineering department with lowered kerbs and gouging. Zebra crossings with floor indicators were also added.

Press event for the official inauguration of the guidance system, 19.01.2023