Urban space as living space - Stralsund's Nikolaiquartier

"Urban culture is the culture of the space in between. What shapes the face of cities over the ages is not the buildings, but the spaces between them."
Peter Degen

Stralsund's old town, laid out in the early 13th century, has preserved its streets, squares and courtyards, its water and green spaces largely unchanged to this day. The unique location of the old town island between the Strelasund and the ponds dammed up shortly after the town was founded is the reason for the extraordinary scenic charm that has always emanated from Stralsund's external appearance. The interplay between dense medieval buildings and open spaces oscillates in a harmonious rhythm of narrowing and widening. The harmony of landscape, buildings and open spaces that has developed over the centuries determines the essence, atmosphere and identity of the Hanseatic city.

The tour traces the different qualities, compositions and relationships of urban and private spaces around the Alter Markt. How do the Alter Markt, Nikolaikirchhof, Johanniskloster, Hospitaler Bastion and Knieperteich shape the unique character of the Nikolaiquartier? How are they perceived and used in everyday life?