Frankfurt Wins National “Pave-Off” competition, Highlighting Urban Unsealing Progress
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Frankfurt am Main has been recognized for its innovative unsealing projects, taking first place in the nationwide “Abplastern” – or “Pave-off” – competition.The award, presented in mid-December on Paul-Arnsberg-Platz, acknowledges the city’s commitment to removing paving and restoring permeable surfaces, though questions remain about the long-term scale and speed of these efforts.
The competition measured success not by aesthetic design, but by the amount of paving removed per resident. Frankfurt surpassed cities like Darmstadt and Hamburg in this metric, demonstrating a tangible commitment to urban greening.
Civic Engagement Drives Frankfurt’s Success
Notably, the city’s participation in the competition wasn’t initiated by the municipal administration. Instead, it was driven by an initiative of the local climate decision-making body, wich gathered and submitted details of completed projects. This underscores the significant role of civic engagement in advancing unsealing efforts within Frankfurt. “This made it clear how much civic engagement supported the unsealing in Frankfurt,” one source stated.
Paul-Arnsberg-Platz: A Model for Urban Change
Paul-Arnsberg-Platz serves as a prime example of Frankfurt’s unsealing strategy. Redesigned in 2022, the approximately 3,000 square meter plaza now features nearly 50% unsealed surface, allowing rainwater to permeate the ground. The transformation includes new trees and a wildflower meadow, enhancing the area’s microclimate and quality of life, particularly during warmer months. A department head classified the project as “an early but vital step.”
This project is part of a broader series of initiatives, including work at the Staufenmaueram Goetheplatz and, most recently, walther-von-Cronberg-Platz. The city is increasingly incorporating sponge city principles – designs that mimic natural water absorption – into its urban planning.From the viewpoint of the mobility department, unsealing also creates more appealing spaces for pedestrians and cyclists by reducing asphalt coverage.
Pressure on Administration to Sustain Momentum
While the competition win is a positive sign, observers note that many of Frankfurt’s unsealing projects were years in the making and frequently enough required pressure from local initiatives, including neighborhood groups and schools, to gain traction. The AG Urban Green highlighted this dynamic, stating that the competition “helped to accelerate the issue and make it public.”
The success raises concerns about whether the city would have participated without this external impetus. The “Abplastern” competition itself remains open to municipalities, initiatives, and individuals, encouraging continued visibility of unsealing efforts.
Frankfurt’s first-place finish is not an endpoint, but rather a catalyst for continued action.
Why, Who, What, and How did it end?
Why: Frankfurt participated in the “Abplastern” (Pave-off) competition to showcase its commitment to urban greening and address issues related to rainwater runoff and urban heat islands. The city aimed to demonstrate its progress in removing paving and restoring permeable surfaces.
Who: The initiative was primarily driven by the local climate decision-making body and supported by neighborhood groups, schools, and the AG Urban green. While the administration ultimately accepted the award, the initial push came from civic engagement. The city of Frankfurt am Main won the competition,
