Urban Places in the 21st Century and the Concept of “Heimat”

Not only due to World War II but as well within the last 30 years cities changed their townscape rapidly. The reasons lie inter alia in the shopping malls being built increasingly in top locations meaning that branding and standardization are one of the preconditions towns in the 21st century have to deal with. On the other side there is a growing awareness of historical structures providing – together with places, monuments, parks, but as well together with retail trades – a sense of feeling at home to the city dweller. Art works furthermore are able to create special landmarks within the city and, as communication is often intended by the artist, they can support this feeling. The concept of Heimat – that means much more then the English equivalent of feeling at home – is revised under the preconditions of urban devel-opment and incorporated in the context of the historical development of town structures and the role of monument preservation, as well as politics in Europe and especially in Germany.