H o p f e n b r u c h   P a r k
N a t i o n a l   G a r d e n   S h o w ,   S c h w e r i n

Open, two-phased Competition

Design purchased   02/04

Ulrike Böhm, Cyrus Zahiri, Katja Benfer

A topographical differential splits the area surrounding the old Schweriner railway depot in two sections. The existing difference in elevation between the two areas is addressed by a long embankment. From the higher elevation, visitor may enjoy panoramic views of the entire area and the Medeweger Lake in the distance. The elevated area is occupied by industrial buildings and is to be re-developed as a new city district. The lower-lying area of the former railway depot has been overgrown with ruderal vegetation, the train tracks and marshalling yard gradually transformed over time.

In order to preserve the quality and breadth of this unique ruderal area and to give the planned adjoining quarter a spatially experiencable head-start, the Hopfenbruch Park shall be concentrated at the junction between the city quarter and the former railway tracks. The existing embankment is thus embedded into the new park, highlighting the difference in elevation as a special feature of the park.

The transition between city district and the former railway tracks is characterized by a staggering of park areas. Small scale, user-intensive areas, such as gardens and leisure zones, are arranged along the border of the city district. Sweeping tracts of extensive meadows are arranged along the former railway tracks and depot building, offering temporary use as playing fields or fairgrounds.

Embedded into the park, the embankment links the upper and lower park levels with one another and allows for a unique spatial articulation of leisure, playground, and sports areas. Steep, angled slopes put daring visitors to the test, while ascending stair-seating and grandstands encourage the typical relationship between players and spectators. The spatial significance of the elevation jump and staggered embankment is emphasized by rows of trees. Park areas are further defined by the placement of small-crowned trees.

The new Hopfenbruchpark neighborhood shall remain flexible for changes in usage and future urban development. The area must be able to grow gradually. An urban plan is thus suggested, in which mesh structure and distribution of lots are adapted to suit different uses. The plan consists of parallel roads connecting the Hopfenbruchweg and Mittelweg, continuing the network of park paths and thus relating all adjoining properties to the spatial delineations of the park. Park and landscape are within walking distance.

The plots between the parallel developments are distributed differently, depending upon usage. Based on plot cut, different use and building typologies are possible, from rows of townhouses, to residentially compatible commercial buildings, to a myriad of hybrid forms. Certain infrastructural routes may also be spared, depending upon specific use requirements. While existing buildings are integrated into the new plan, their preservation versus a partial and/or a total demolition may be considered at a later time.

Park and adjoining city quarter are connected in the following manner: by the existing jump in elevation, by a common development plan and by a common entrance plaza.

The common development plan links the new district to park via the embankment. All new local roads rise up over the embankment, and continue as footpaths through the park. At the end of each street, pedestrians are greeted by panoramic views of the landscape and lake beyond. The difference in elevation makes the transition between park and city spatially experiencable.

The common entrance plaza lies between the new city district and park. Its hardtop surface stretches between both halls of the National Garden Show. Its layout is in alignment with the embankment, the adjacent roads, and the position of the railway depot building. The entrance plaza is completed by a plateau, offering a panoramic view of the entire area and the lake. The main stairs are embedded in the embankment, connecting the entrance plaza with the lower-lying park areas.