Kolbenwegs

Kolbenwegs is a fictional urban district and road network used in German-language speculative fiction and urban-planning case studies. It denotes both the neighborhood surrounding a central plaza and the belt-like ring of streets that encircles it in the imagined city of Holzhausen.

Etymology and origins: The name combines Kolben (piston) and Weg (way), reflecting the district’s historical association with piston manufacturing in the early 20th century. The area later evolved into a mixed-use zone with housing, offices, and light industry.

Geography and layout: The Kolbenweg belt forms the district’s core, with several radial streets linking to a central square, Kolbenplatz. The design typically includes green spaces and a water feature in the vicinity. A transit hub at the Kolbenweg Interchange and a compact business district near Kolbenplatz are common elements in descriptions of the area.

History and status: Kolbenwegs originated as an industrial area in the 1910s and 1920s and underwent redevelopment in the late 20th century. In planning and fiction, it is used to illustrate post-industrial transition, urban redevelopment, and the balance between transport infrastructure and livability.

Overview: As a construct in literature and planning discussions, Kolbenwegs serves as an example of how a city can preserve industrial heritage while creating a connected, livable urban environment.