Arkaden

Arkaden is a German term that can refer to both a general architectural element and to place names. In architecture, Arkaden (arcades in English) denotes a passage or gallery of arches, typically sheltered from the weather and often lined with shops or other commercial spaces. An arcade may run along a street, connect buildings, or form an inner courtyard. The underlying structure consists of a succession of arches supported by columns or piers, creating a recognizable rhythm and a covered walkway.

Historically, arcades appeared in antiquity and gained prominence in medieval and Renaissance Europe as covered urban promenades. In German-speaking regions, the term Arkaden is used for both historic arcaded streets—such as shopping routes in old towns—and modern shopping complexes that mimic or adapt this form. The Arkaden concept influenced the design of many 19th- and 20th-century shopping galleries and shopping centers, sometimes called Arkaden in contemporary usage.

In modern urban planning, Arkaden provide sheltered commercial space, encourage pedestrian flow, and serve as focal points in city centers. The plural Arkaden is used in German to refer to multiple arcaded passages or to commercial complexes that carry the name Arkaden as a branding choice. The term is also encountered in the names of specific shopping centers or districts, though the exact usage varies by city.

See also: Arcade (architecture), Colonnade, Shopping mall.