Small and medium-sized towns in rural areas are increasingly facing major challenges. Economic and demographic change, structural deficiencies in the existing building stock, and changing demands are leading to functional decline, vacancy, and new spatial requirements. Historic town centres are particularly affected. Once the focal points of urban life, they continue to play an important role in shaping local identity.

Today, supermarkets, post offices, banks, pharmacies, and cafés are often located on the outskirts of towns, where they are easily accessible by car. Public facilities such as schools and kindergartens have largely disappeared from historic centres, and living in the old town has become an increasingly unattractive option for many residents of small and medium-sized towns.

Which uses and user groups can revitalise these historic centres in the future? Which strategies, new functions, and concrete interventions can contribute to positive development, and how can they be implemented? These questions were explored by the Technical University of Munich in collaboration with the City of Trostberg as part of an Urban Design Studio during the winter semester 2017/18.