98~99 Upper left: Panorama Lower left: The defining features of the watercourse bank are its wide, grassy step seating, which can be occupied for walking or relaxing right down to the water’s edge Upper right: By redesignating road space as green space, the location becomes a much a more pleasant place to sit or linger Lower right: Path leading to the the Bundesverwaltungsgericht
100~101 Left: The park is primarily used by students from the neighbouring colleges but also by walkers, tourists and officials from the court Upper right: The open space makes reference to the generous gable front of the Bundesverwaltungsgericht Lower right: Commemoration of the old Gewandhaus destroyed during the war by the inclusion of the Mendelssohn bust, who is the first director of the orchestra
102~103 New White Tower Square Location: Thessaloniki, Greece Designer: Katerina Tsigarida Architects Photographer: Yorgis Yerolumpos Completion date: 2008 Site area: 24,000 sqm The project’s main objective is the reconstitution of public space around the White Tower – important historical monument and landmark at the waterfront of the city of Thessaloniki. The new square required the partial deviation of the waterfront avenue in order to provide adequate space in front of the monument. The restoration of the surrounding space on its initial foundations’ level was additionally proposed. The synthetic design procedure explores the principles of centrality, monumentality, strict plane geometry, axis continuity, while refraining to a minimal intervention. The architectural discipline and the design austerity focus more on their long-lasting effect in the city, rather than on the implementation of ephemeral design styles. Special care was taken so as to provide a realistic and viable result. A trapezoid square is ultimately generated, perspectively opening towards the sea, materialising a system of multiple geometry originating whether from the monument itself, the waterfront pedestrian zone or the tangential East Cultural Axis. Level height difference creates coherent sub-areas at selected locations and of clear and legible shape. The architectural elements that organise the square constitute of green plots that at the same time operate as zones for sitting. In remembrance of the East City Wall – part of the old city’s fortificationa series of limestone pillars function as a linear kinetic sculpture that seems to move as one walks along. An alley with big trees runs parallel to the pillars as a symbolic exit towards the sea at the point where the old city meets the new. Award description: 2008 Architectural Awards of the Hellenic Institute of Architecture 1. Entrance to the White Tower 2. Remaining of Byzantine Fortification 3. Alley of Trees 4. Limestone Pillars Tracing the Old City Wall 5. Public Toilets 6. Limestone Carpet 7. Green Carpet 8. Pebble Dash Carpet 9. N. Votsi Statue 10. Old City Waterfront 11. New City Waterfront 1 2 3 5 6 7 4 8 9 10 11 Right: View of the White Tower from the west
104~105 Upper left: Aerial view to the east side of the square Lower left: Walking through the alley of trees Upper right: View of the White Tower from northwest Lower right: View from the entrance towards the city
106~107 Left: Stairs to the entrance of the White Tower Upper right: View towards the sea Lower right: Ramp to the entrance of the White Tower
108~109 Rheinauhafen Cologne Location: Cologne,Germany Designer: FSWLA Landschaftsarchitektur GmbH Photographer: Manuel Kubitza Completion date: 2011 Site area: 118,500 sqm Award description: 2010 Germany Urban Planning Award When port activities were transferred to other areas of Cologne, a new urban design challenge arose for Rheinauhafen. The area that once served as the river port is to acquire new functions. As part of the restructuring process, a competition for the open spaces was held in 1999. FSWLA Landschaftsarchitektur GmbH emerged as the winner and was commissioned with planning the open spaces. Rheinauhafen is very close to the town centre of Cologne, with a direct link to the Rheingarten redesigned in the 1980s, and stretches for about 2 kilometres down to the popular southern district of the city. This much favoured location within the urban context is to be reinforced by an attractive, structured design of the open space. The interplay of historical and modern architecture sets up a tension echoed in the outdoor terrain. The historical significance of the port area is linked into the modern architecture by combining historical materials such as natural stone paving, old rail track and restored cranes with large concrete slabs, glass, steel and a sophisticated lighting design. This will enable Rheinauhafen to present a new face to the world while retaining its original character as a port. 1. Boardwalk 2. Central Axis 3. Urban Space 4. Play and Recreation 1 3 2 1 4 1 2 3 3 3 4 Right: The Rhine promenade viewed from Southern Kranhaus to the southern cape
110~111 Upper left: Modern design and historical materials create a unique atmosphere Lower left: The new Elisabeth-Treskow-Square Upper right: Large scaled concrete slabs and natural stone pavement define a corporate design for the open space Lower right: Hedges sculptured as blocks and large scaled slabs structure at the “Siebengebirge”
112~113 Left: The central passage in the southern part Upper right: Spacious seating sculptures invite to stay Lower right: Generously proportioned steps
114~115 Left: The new Elisabeth-Treskow-Square with a piece of art in the centre and the “Rhine bastion” Upper right: The “Wohnwerft” in the middle of the Rheinauhafen Lower right: The so called “sail-lamp” provides indirect light to avoid blinding
116~117 Aalborg Waterfront Location: Aalborg, Denmark Designer: C. F. Møller Architects and Vibeke Rønnow Landscape Architects Photographer: Helene Hoyer Mikkelsen Completion date: 2010 Site area: 170,000 sqm The master plan for Aalborg Waterfront links the city’s medieval centre with the adjacent fjord, which has previously been difficult for citizens to access due to the industrial harbour and the associated heavy traffic. By tying in with the openings in the urban fabric, a new relationship between city and fjord is created. The qualities of the approximately one-kilometre stretch of quayside are emphasised with a tree-lined and unusually detailed boulevard to accommodate cyclists and pedestrians. The medieval Aalborg Castle once again becomes the harbour’s centrepiece through the establishment of an extensive green area to frame the historic embankments. At the same time, Aalborg receives a harbour promenade with steps and recessed terraces, allowing people to get close to the water. Various kinds of urban gardens facilitate activities such as markets, ball games and sun-bathing. The aim is to create robust and attractive spaces to benefit many different users. The central activities field is designed to accommodate various games and sports, from beach-volley in the summer to ice skating rink in winter, surrounded by dramatically angled netting and lighting masts. The adjacent gardens are a calm, slightly sunken green space with a dense planting of trees and flowers. The materials chosen are as raw as the fjord itself, including asphalt, rubber, cor-ten steel, concrete and wood, while at the same time containing subtle references to the sea through wavy pavement patterns - an architectural quote of the famous Copacabana beach promenades by Roberto Burle Marx. 1. Football Court 2. Pedestrian Path 3. Ramp 1 2 3 2 Right: The gardens are situated along the city's new harbour promenade. They are divided by wide tali-wood decking areas
118~119 Upper left: Various kinds of urban gardens facilitate activities such as markets, ball games and sun-bathing. The aim is to create robust and attractive spaces to benefit many different users Lower left: Special attention has been given to a mix of functional and ambient lighting of different colour temperatures using efficient low-energy fixtures Upper right: The flower garden is a lush, colourful oasis for all ages - primarily designed for quiet pursuits and as a recreational space for Aalborg's new harbour pool Lower right: Wavy pavement patterns along the boulevard create subtle references
120~121 Upper left: Concrete is used throughout, most notably in the new quay, featuring wide in-situ cast sitting steps. Cast into the concrete steps are a multitude of fiber-optic "starspangles", the intensity of which is regulated by an anemometer Lower left: Materials chosen are as raw as the fjord itself, including asphalt, rubber, corten steel, concrete and wood Upper right: Outlook posts provide tourists with great opportunities to overlook the fjord Lower right: The sunken gardens are framed in concrete "bastions", incorporating stairs and ramps for full accessibility
122~123 Sonnenbrücke Nord Location: Berlin, Germany Designer: Henningsen Landschaftsarchitekten BDLA Berlin Photographer: Christo Libuda Completion date: 2010 Site area: 1,300 sqm In the context of the German urban development programme "Stadtumbau West", the area beside the bridge "Sonnenbrücke" in Berlin-Neuköln was turned over to the public after one year construction period as a new attractive plaza with fountain and an open stair complex at the waterfront. Henningsen Landscape Architects planned these previously rundown waterside area as an urban public open space for residents and visitors. Beside the waterfront, the grand scaled stair complex made of light grey Portuguese granite stone with its numerous wooden decks invites the visitors to stay and relax. The wide staircase resolves and stages the huge level difference between the street and water channel. Some extant robinia trees, a row of apple trees at the stair head as well as lavender and roses planted at the slopes frame the otherwise stony setting of the stair complex. In addition to the nearby water channel, the topic "water" can also be found at the plaza as a water play, which is installed even to the ground in a covering of dark grey German slates. Close to the water play lies a big open sand surface, which can serve the neighbouring beer garden with beach chairs and deck chairs as comfortable living zone. Light orchestrations of the water play and the wooden decks with built-in lights as well as light-bands underneath the hand rails and stairs set a course during the evening hours. 3 2 1 6 5 4 7 8 9 1 1 2 4 4 8 1. Entrance 2. Granite Stair Complex 3. Fountain Covered with Slates 4. Wooden Decks 5. Waterfront Promenade 6. Lawn Slope 7. Apple Trees 8. Lavender and Roses 9. Beer Garden Right: Water feature
124~125 Left: Stairs with wooden deck Upper right: Side view of the square Lower right: Fountain at night
126~127 Upper Left: Whole scene of the square Lowe left: Wooden deck Right: Wooden deck as a planter
128~129 Stadthafen Schleswig Location: Schleswig, Germany Designer: BHF-Landscape Architects Photographer: BHF-Landscape Architects Completion date: 2007 Site area: 10,000 sqm The office BHF-Landscape Architects received the direct contract for the re-designing of the promenade (approx. 200 metres long), the area around the harbour gastronomy, the parking area for mobile homes, and a central square at the harbour head. The town harbour is the central home-port for luxurious yachts of the brand “Comfortina”. The promenade along the town harbour in Schleswig was completely redesigned following a renovation of the quay wall. The quay wall received a broad flat head of in-situ concrete. In addition lies a double band of granite paving stones The existing shed has been converted into a fish snack with numerous outdoor seats. To protect the shed against floods, the built-in under the shed roof containers were placed on a pedestal, which was enclosed with large size ashlars of fair-faced concrete. Here people can wind-protected sit and look at the fjord. The shipping buoy in the harbour apron was installed on the top of a small grass hill. Despite the small difference in height of one metre, can be seen from here even better the bustle of the harbour. Here to the waterside fair-faced concrete ashlars were also built as the seat blocks. In the appropriate steps flat LED lights are integrated. 1. Lawn 2. Bench 3. Car Parking 4. New Pavement 5. Parking Area for Mobile Homes 1 2 3 4 5 Right: The shipping buoy on the square
130~131 Upper left: Seating area and lookout Lower left: Yachts and crane Upper right: Aerial view Lower right: Promenade pavement
132~133 Wasserplatz Kiel Location: Kiel, Germany Designer: BHF-Landscape Architects Photographer: BHF-Landscape Architects Completion date: 2008 Site area: 3,500 sqm The waterside square is a new development at the “Germaniahafen”. This square is directly adjacent to the “Norwegen-Terminal” on the east side of the “Kieler Förde”, and forms, together with the 3-segment bascule bridge over the “Hörn”, an important connection between the city, with the main station on the west side, and the district “Kiel Gaarden” on the east side. The square negotiates a height difference of approx 6 metres and connects the promenade with “Gaardener Ring” and the following pedestrian bridge over the “Ostring”, a heavily frequented main road in Kiel. A generously designed stepway, with two flights and an integrated slow-rising ramp, enable pedestrians to negotiate this height difference. The “lower deck” offers opportunities to sit, the openair gastronomy and freenet-centre offer time to linger. “Seefarers” can watch the bright life of the harbour in the shade of trees. The sculpture “Adam and Eve” by Björn Norgaard stands in the centre of the square. 1. Square North 2. Barrier-free Way 3. Square Centre 4. Square South 5. Sculpture 6. Steps 7. Seating Element 8. Bicycle Way 9. Bicycle Stand 3 2 1 4 5 6 7 8 9 Upper right: View to the historical fishing boats in the Germania-Hafen Lower right: City life on two levels
134~135 Upper left: The Wasserplatz in the spring sunshine Lower left: Corten steel sheet as reminiscence at the former shipyard Upper right: Biking, rest in front of the sculpture “Adam & Eva” by Bjørn Norgaard Lower right: The retaining walls are planted with parthenocissus tricuspidata “Veitchii”
136~137 Upper left: Evening atmosphere at stairs Lower left: Corten steel with integrated turtle light Upper right: Night view of the Wasserplatz Lower right: Detail of Corten steel sheet with integrated turtle light
138~139 Tel Aviv Port Public Space Regeneration Location: Tel Aviv, Israel Designer: Mayslits Kassif Architects Photographer: Daniela Orvin, Adi Branda, Galia Kronfeld, Albi Serfaty Completion date: 2008 Site area: 55,000 sqm Award description: 2011 Winner of Domus Russia ARCHIP Prize 2010 The Rosa Barba European Landscape Prize – Nomination as One of the 9 Finalists of the 6th European Biennial of Landscape Architecture 2008 Israel 'Rechter Award' for an Outstanding Architectural Achievement by the Israeli Ministry of Culture 2007 Israel 'Ot Haitzuv Award' for the Best Urban Architectural Project in Israel Situated on one of Israel's most breathtaking waterfronts, the Tel Aviv Port was plagued with neglect since 1965, when its primary use as an operational docking port was abandoned. The recently completed public space development project by Mayslits Kassif Architects, managed to restore this unique part of the city, and turn it into a prominent, vivacious urban landmark. Remarkably, despite city planning being dominated by market forces, and because of its immense popularity among the public, the project has been able to circumvent massive development schemes intended for the port's 50,000 square metres area. The suspension of all the area's rezoning plans set a precedent for creating an urban transformation not propelled by building rights, but by an alternative design strategy gearing towards the public space. The design introduces an extensive undulating, non-hierarchical surface, that acts both as a reflection of the mythological dunes on which the port was built; and as an open invitation to free interpretations and unstructured activities. Various public, political and social initiatives – from spontaneous rallies to artistic endeavors and public acts of solidarity – are now drawn to this unique urban platform, indicating the project's success in reinventing the port as a vibrant public sphere. 1. Existing Hangers 2. Parking Park 3. Undulating Deck Surfaces 1 2 Right: Wooden deck ©Adi Branda 2 2 3
140~141 Upper left: Close view of GRC elements © Adi Branda Lower left: Parasols © Daniela Orvin Upper right: Multipurpose surfaces for parking and events © Adi Branda Lower right: The hybrid ipen space that combines the qualities of the informal beach environment with the city fabric © Daniela Orvin
142~143 Upper left: Paving pattern defining the traffic areas © Adi Branda Lowe left: The GRC elements designed for a variety of sitting positions © Galia Kronfeld Upper right: The port as a vibrant public sphere © Albi Serfaty Lower right: Paving pattern defining the traffic areas © Daniela Orvin
144~145 Waterfront Toronto Location: Toronto, Canada Designer: West 8 and DTAH Photographer: West 8 Urban Design & Landscape Architecture Completion date: 2009 Site area: 650 sqm + 630 sqm The Toronto Central Waterfront, a 3.5 kilometres length of Lake Ontario in direct proximity to the downtown business district, is one of Toronto's most valuable assets. Yet despite decades of planning and patchwork development projects, there is no coherent vision for linking the pieces into a greater whole – visually or physically. In this context, the fundamental objective of the project is to address this deficiency by creating a consistent and legible image for the Central Waterfront, in both architectural and functional terms. West 8 Urban Design & Landscape Architecture, in joint venture with DTAH, prepared a comprehensive vision for the Central Waterfront that produced a powerful design language with the strength and simplicity to overcome the existing visual noise and create a sense of interconnectedness and identity. Connectivity between the vitality of the city and the lake and a continuous, publicly accessible waterfront are the plan’s priorities. The plan expresses a vision for the Central Waterfront that brings a sustainable, ecologically productive “green foot” to the rich culture of the metropolis. West 8 + DTAH are currently implementing the first phase of the strategic masterplan. Spadina WaveDeck and recently Simcoe Wavedeck and Rees Wavedeck have been completed. A series of timber pedestrian bridges, new streetscapes, public realm and water’s edge promenades will follow or construction already started. Award description: 2010 Royal Architectural Institute of Canada National Urban Design Awards – Spadina WaveDeck 2009 Canadian Society of Landscape Architecture National Merit Award for Spadina WaveDeck 2009 American Society of Landscape Architects Honour Award for General Design, Spadina WaveDeck 1. Portland Wavedeck 2. Spadina Wavedeck 3. Rees Wavedeck 4. Simcoe Wavedeck 5. York Wavedeck 6. Yonge Wavedeck 7. Jarvis Wavedeck 8. Spadina Bridge 9. Peter Bridge 10. Rees Bridge 11. Simcoe Bridge 1 2 3 4 6 7 8 9 10 11 5 Right: Spadina WaveDeck
146~147 Left: The design of the WaveDeck is inspired by the shorelines of Ontario’s great lakes and the Canadian cottage experience Upper right: The WaveDeck is an urban dock that is both a piece of art and a functional gathering space Lower right: The large swell features slender stainless steel railings that follow the undulations of the waves in the deck
148~149 Upper left: The backless bench acts as an elegant barrier to the water while also providing seating for users of the space Lower left: The four WaveDecks explore variations of a simple articulation in the change in level between Queens Quay Boulevard and Lake Ontario Upper right: In-water LED lights have been installed to create a surreal experience by night Lower right: A curving 57-metre-long bench along the edge highlights the experience at Spadina
150~151 Southeast False Creek Waterfront Park Phase 1 represents the first phase of Southeast False Creek’s primary park and open space system and a 650-metre extension of Vancouver’s iconic seawall. Through walkways, bicycle paths, diverse seating and gathering areas the park provides a variety of vital green spaces that will reconnect people with the heritage-rich waterfront and offer unique experiences unlike any other in Vancouver. Social opportunities and cultural heritage were carefully integrated with the project’s ecological design features. The site’s past life as a shipyard, rail yard, and industrial centre are reflected in the design narrative, material selection, and construction detailing. People have been reintroduced to False Creek through a series of stone terraces and a tidal amphitheatre that lead to the water; all were constructed with locally-sourced granite. Naturally, an important part of this public space’s ecology is its ability to engage people and impart a sense of discovery and fun. Distinctive lounge chairs inspired by the wings of a seagull are enjoyed by people of all ages and have become one of the most recognisable features of the new Waterfront Park. Metal swivel chairs allow 360º views of the neighbourhood, downtown peninsula, and mountains. To complement the industrial materials in the park, native plantings punctuated by strips of ornamental grasses provide movement and texture to the landscape while reintroducing longabsent living materials to the site. Waterfront Park – Phase 1 completes the existing waterfront promenade and bike lanes found throughout the False Creek and Downtown Vancouver areas. This innovative project demonstrates that environmentally sensitive design is completely at home in a dense residential and commercial neighbourhood and shines even brighter when layered with historical references, social spaces, and recreational opportunities. Location: Vancouver, Canada Designer: PWL Partnership Landscape Architects Inc Photographer: PWL Partnership Landscape Architects Inc Completion date: 2008 Size: 320,000 sqm Award description: 2010 United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) – Lovable Communities Awards 2010 Canadian Institute of Planners – Award of Excellence in Neighbourhood Planning 2010 Canadian Urban Institute Brownie Award 2009 The Waterfront Centre – Honour Award 2009 CSLA Professional Awards – National Merit 2008 Design Exchange Awards – Award of Merit 2006 Royal Architecture Institute of Canada Urban Design Award – Honour Award 1. Community Gardens 2. West Pedestrian Promenade 3. Timber Boardwalk 4. Wetland Bridge Right: Bridge to science world 1 2 3 4
152~153 Left: Aerial view Upper right: Boardwalk Lower right: Swivel chair detail
154~155 Left: Rainwater runnel Upper right: Boardwalk with bikes Lower right: Bench and paving detail
156~157 Ballast Point Park Location: Sydney, Australia Designer: Mcgregor Coxall Photographer: Christian Borchert, Landscape Solutions Completion date: 2009 Site area: 25,000 sqm Award description: 2010 International Waterfront Design Honour Award 2010 NSW National Trust Heritage Awards 2009 Australian Institute of Landscape Architects NSW Award 2009 BPN National Sustainability Award – Landscape Design 2009 Landscape Contractors Association Awards of Excellence The design uses world leading sustainability principles to minimise the project’s carbon footprint and ecologically rehabilitate the site. The design reconciles the layers of history with forward looking new technologies to create a regionally significant urban park. The environmental approach is further underpinned by site-wide stormwater biofiltration, recycled materials, and wind turbines for onsite energy production. This design brings to life the principles established in the original master plan where there is a fine balance between what is removed and what is retained. The end product is a park that proudly communicates all the site’s past layers and human interventions in both, an innovative and informative manner. The design challenges our perception of materials and their use. Dominant new terrace walls sit atop the sandstone cliffs but these walls are not made of precious sandstone excavated from another site, rather from the rubble of our past. What once was called rubbish is now called beautiful. It is the new ballast. But it is more than this at play: it is the total composition of these recycled rubber filled cages, off set with concrete coping panels topped with fine grain railing, that allow these walls to sit confidently at the portal to the inner harbour. 8 vertical axis wind turbines and an extract from a Les Murray poem, carved into recycled tank panels, forms a sculptural re-interpretation of the site’s former largest storage tank. The wind turbines symbolise the future, a step away from our fossil fuelled past towards more sustainable renewable energy forms. 1. Wharf Road Amenities 2. Yeend Street Amenities 3. Belvedere 4. Tank 101 5. Menevia 6. Amphi Theatre 7. Grass Rings 8. Grass Ring Bund Wall Stair 9. Walkway below Grass Rings 10. Grasslands on Ridge 11. Ridge Terraces 12. The Point 13. Lower Grass Terraces 14. Grasslands Bund Wall Stair 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 14 12 13 Right: The Point
158~159 Left: Grass rings bund wall stair Upper right: Aerial view Lower right: Rubble filled wall detail
160~161 Upper left: The lube ring-wind turbines Lower left: Boules play area and seating Upper right: Grasslands bund wall stair Lower right: The entry gate at Wharf Road
162~163 Erie Basin Park Location: New York, USA Designer: Lee Weintraub Landscape Architecture LLC Photographer: Collin Cooke Studio Completion date: 2008 Site area: 26,305 sqm Award description: 2010 The Waterfront Centre: Annual Honour Award Lee Weintraub first came to Red Hook in 1987, and led a community design process that resulted in the design of the Coffey Street Pier and the development of Valentino Park. In 2003 they returned to Red Hook; an incredibly compelling place, filled with the memory of the waterfront as a place of commerce and production. Invited by the Ikea Corporation to design a new waterfront park, Erie Basin Park comprises approximately a mile of green park, esplanade and plaza spaces. Incorporated into the fabric of the park are remains of the site's former occupancy - the New York Ship Yard. Four inactive cranes will be stabilised and will serve as heroic markers and powerful reminders; remains of a dry dock are expressed in planting and in pavement. The park language interprets the industrial archeology of the ship yard into a series of linked moments that use landscape to tell a powerful story. The Client of Erie Basin Park was the Ikea Corporation. LWLA's responsibility was to help Ikea overcome the contentious relationships that they had encountered in attempting to build in the New York/ Westchester Region. With the client's counsel, the open space improvements including a 26,305-square-metre park and streetscape improvements were proposed. As the process developed, these were the lynchpin for the project's approval by the City and the adjacent community. LWLA used both it's design skills and it's community design skills to help facilitate the review and approvals process. 1. Entry Pergola 2. West Facing Lawn 3. The Mound 4. Picnic Lawn 5. Blue Light Bridge/Columbia Street Allee 6. Pier 4 7. South Esplanade 8. Bosque 9. Ferry Arrival Plaza 10. Salvage Gardens 11. Chock Garden 12. Dwight Street Allee 13. Graving Dock Ghost 14. West Esplanade 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Right: Sculptural kiosk and crane
164~165 Left: Night shot of sculptural kiosk. Upper right: Bird’s eye view of bosque with honey locust trees. Lower right: View from esplanade looking toward Pier 4
166~167 Upper left: Night view of ferry plaza Lower left: Winch and wave bench at Pier 2 Right: Seating cove along south esplanade
168~169 Mangfallpark Rosenheim Location: Rosenheim, Germany Designer: A24 Landschaft Robel Swillus und Partner Photographer: Hanns Joosten Completion date: 2009 Site area: 130,000 sqm The new Mangfallpark connects Rosenheim with its rivers. The landscape boardwalk concept reinforces the unique character of the existing river landscapes and makes nature come alive for the visitors in a variety of ways. The 500 metres long system is made up of landscape boardwalks and eight bridges that connect the city with the Inn, Mangfall, Hammerbach and Mühlbach waterways. The boardwalk forms the backbone of the new park and is multifunctional as an architecture – hybrid – it’s a ramp, bridge, promenade, viewpoint, seat and lounger all in one. Along the landscape boardwalk, broad steps can be sat on and luscious stream-side gardens invite you closer – to play in and linger by the water. The northernmost part of the boardwalk ends in an eight-metre-long protruding platform, which offers a wide view from the waterways all the way to the Chiemgau Alps. The Mühlbach Creek, which was previously built-over, has been uncovered and devised as an attractive green corridor from the city centre to the Inn. Between the future residential area and an existing power station, embankments confine the stream, whereby inlets create space for urban gardens along the waterside. In the form of a graceful bridge, the Nicklwiesen boardwalk crosses the Hammerbach, which has been transformed into a kayak route. The large Kiesinseln (gravel islands) affect the river flow while at the same time offering the visitors a place to sit and lie down. The recreational offerings are complemented by extensive playgrounds and sports areas. 1. Nicklwiesen Boardwalk 2. Mangfall Boardwalk 3. Promenade Board 4. Mühlbach Creek 5. Old Town Rosenheim 1 2 3 4 5 Right: Lookout point
170~171 Left: Top view of the Mangfall Bridge Upper right: Terraced lawn elements at the lookout point Lower right: Entry area to the kayaking route at the Hammerbach creek
172~173 Upper left: The uncovered Mühlbach designed as a city creek Lower left: Silhouette of the Mangfallbridge Upper right: Giant garden at the Hammerbach Creek Lower right: Gravel island at the Hammerbach Creek
174~175 Sydney Pirrama Park Location: Sydney, Australia Designer: ASPECT Studios in collaboration with Hill Thalis Architecture+Urban Projects and CAB Consulting Photographer: Florian Groehn, Adrian Boddy Completion date: 2009 Site area: 18,000 sqm Award description: 2010 AILA NSW Awards – The Medal 2010 Walter Burley Griffin Award for Urban Design (Australian National Architecture Awards) 2010 Kidsafe National Public Playspaces Winner 2009 The Best Overall Project National Award, CCAA Bi-annual Public Domain Awards 2009 The Winner of the Precincts Category, CCAA Bi-annual Public Domain Awards 2007 AILA NSW Award for Excellence in Planning ASPECT Studios was commissioned by the City of Sydney to design a new waterfront park on the former water police site in Pyrmont. The brief was to develop a master plan for an 18,000 square metres parcel of land on the Pyrmont peninsula into public parkland incorporating a significant children’s play environment. The New Park on the Former Water Police site required significant marine engineering at the harbour edge to create a sheltered bay and interpret the former shoreline. The public realm includes wharfs, promenades, squares, laneways, rain gardens and a cycle way which forms significant public fabric, linking the City to the Docklands. The bay creates passive recreation opportunities at the water’s edge and strengthens the site’s historic relationship to Sydney Harbour. A range of other “park rooms” are created which celebrate this unique location. World’s best practice initiatives were embedded into the master plan and rain gardens and bio-filtration trenches in the park capture and clean the water from the surrounding park storm water catchment. Street tree pits along Pirrama Road collect street runoff and 200,000 kilolitre water tanks have been proposed to ensure irrigation is maintained sustainably throughout the year. Add to that, the proposal of solar panels on the shade canopies to power park lighting and the master plan is an exemplar of best practice ESD. Social sustainability is promoted through the creation of a significant public space at the end of Harris Street which provides an opportunity for social interaction and public gathering. 1. The Community Square 2. The Pole Garden 3. The Green and the Point 4. The Shoreline Promenade 5. The Grove 2 3 1 5 4 Right: The playground shade canopy provides shelter to parents and children. Low walls andplanting form informal buffers and help contain the playground space
176~177 Left: The central spine contains a boardwalk and existing concrete wall which formed part of the existing site. A planted swale captures and filters rain water for reuse Upper right: An aerial view showing the park’s context within Pyrmont and the city Lower right: A suite of custom furniture using concrete and recycled timber is featured throughout the site
178~179 Left: The pole garden and existing concrete wharf structures have been retained which reflect upon the site’s post industrial history Upper right: An existing “whale bone” structure has been recited and reworked into an existing and playful entry element Lower right: Crossing points have been designed to allow access across the central swale
180~181 Upper left: The Sheltered Bay changes the existing Harbour shoreline and allows unimpeded access to the water Lower left: The shoreline promenade reflects the pre-development shore edge and creates a strong foreshore link between Harris Street and Pirrama Park Upper right: An elegant kiosk structure and canopy/belvedere provide opportunities for gathering and reflection Lower right: Precast concrete steps from transitions through the planted swale from the shoreline promenade
182~183 East Side Park Location: Berlin, Ger many Designer: HÄFNER / JIMENEZ Büro für Landschaftsarchitektur Photographer: Hanns Joosten, HÄFNER / JIMENEZ Büro für Landschaftsarchitektur Completion date: 2009 Site area: 39,720 sqm The fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 ushered in one of the busiest moments in the history of modern, urban architecture as innumerable buildings and open spaces became available for development throughout the former Communist East. One of the most famous of these spaces in Berlin is the East Side Gallery, a strip of the original wall that has been left as a monument to the division of the city where artists began painting a mural in the 1990s. As a meaningful and multilayered historical document, along with its impressive constructed appearance and artistic design, the East Side Gallery follows the entire length of open space along the Spree from the Mühlenspeicher at the Oberbaum Bridge to Stralau Square. It makes this strip of the Spree’s bank unique and momentous for both tourists and Berliners. The promenade on the south bank of the Spree creates an attractive open space for residents of the two boroughs bordering the site and visitors to the wall monument. The park is conceived in two parts with the East Side Gallery and the patrol path forming the historical monument while the new park opens toward the water. The expanse of the Spree, the liveliness of the water and the traffic of the ships offer important potential for a rich and multi-faceted downtown Berlin experience. The prominence of the water in the area surrounding the East Side Gallery is an important measure in creating quality city development. 1. Park along Spree 2. Brommy Bridge 3. East Side Park 4. Plaza 5. Spree River 6. Oberbaum Bridge 7. Mühlen Street 1 3 2 4 5 7 6 Right: Park an der Spree – Promenade
184~185 Upper: Park an der Spree – Panorama Lower left: View to the Oberbaum Bridge Lower right: Ramp
186~187 Left: Overall view at dusk Upper right: Retaining wall as reating area Lower right: Sand playground
188~189 General Maister Memorial Park Location: Ljubno ob Savinji, Slovenia Designer: Bruto Landscape Architecture & Design Photographer: Miran Kambic Completion date: 2007 Site area: 1,500 sqm The memorial park is designed as abstract three-dimensional space, where the paths lead around geometrically cut grass ridges. It is a very abstract illustration of the mountain ridges of the northern border, for which Maister's soldiers fought in the year 1918. The main elements of the space articulation are the reinforced prefabricates of concrete, which are separating single triangular sur faces and framing the terrain like retaining walls. The multifunctional elevated retaining walls are also resting places view points, which include benches, litter bins and light elements. The whole embankment is secured against inundation and erosion with solid stone blocks, which protect the park like a stone shield. AB prefabricates divide rigid surfaces of the rock embankments. The grass terrain along the road ends in the retaining wall, which from the side view presents the abstract form of a mountain ridge and functions as part of the memorial place, as near by stands a sculpture which is composed of several stylised soldiers, and the statue of general Maister with a horse. The sculptures are made from welded metal rods. The abstract wire frame sculpture has the appearance of a sketch, at the same time it forms with the subtle accentuation of key lines of the torso real volume and fullness of the soldiers’ bodies The abstract design suggests strength of the existing value and sense of place in a highly artistic mode. The design makes use of art and sculpture to tell the story of the past. The materials and scale of the design gives a harmonious linkage to the landscape. 1. Benches 2. Event Area 3. Sculptures 4. Grass Terrains 5. Rack Embankment 6. Access to the Water 1 2 3 4 5 6 Right: The park is designed as abstract three-dimensional space
190~191 Upper left: Panoramic view Lower left: Illuminated sculpture by night Upper right: Night view from the bank Lower right: Elevated retaining walls as resting places
192~193 Sam Fiszman Park Location: Sydney, Australia Designer: 360° Landscape Architects, McGregor Westlake Architecture Photographer: Dianna Snape, Kyal Sheehan Completion date: 2007 Site area: 1,100 sqm Award description: 2010 The AILA NSW Award for Excellence in Landscape Architecture 2008 Civil Contractors NSW Earth Award The programme required that an existing above ground carpark be replaced with a pedestrian space that also linked to the beach and the coastal cliff walk. Focussing on edges and views, the design strategy was to work as much as possible with the topography and the layout of the existing rock shelves and floaters. The level changes were to be met by a series of terraces, steps, seats and walls to afford passage down the site and to create a range of interlocking spaces from which to enjoy the panoramic views. Each of the terraces contains planting beds that are designed as bio-retention basins, capturing diverted stormwater that would otherwise cascade off the cliffs into the ocean. The terraces are planted with endemic plants that create a soft compliment to the hardscape of concrete and sandstone. At the top of the site, 2 room-like lookouts crown the rock floaters, like concrete tiaras, one orientated towards the horizon, the other to the southern headland of Bondi Beach and the coastline beyond. Each is richly lined with glazed bricks, which capture and condense the blue of the view. The two lookouts, accompanied by a circular, raised lawn are little monuments to the view recalling the military architectures scattered along Sydney’s ocean edges. The entry to the park is marked by a long walled element, containing the park title. On the lee side is a long seat that provides a pointer back to Bondi Beach and the city. Together, the lookouts and seat are organised as a triptych of tighter spaces, providing shelter from the ocean winds. 1. Raised Lawn and Seating Edge 2. Look-out Point/Standstone Wall 3. Look-out Point 4. Native Ground Cover 1 2 3 4 Right: South coast view showing balconies and lower site
194~195 Upper: View across Sam Fiszman Park at dusk Lower left: Outlook to Southern Headland Lower right: Terraced planters in simple material palette
196~197 Upper left: Concrete to sandstone outcrop Lower left: Seating Wall and lookout point Upper right: Outlook to Pacific Ocean Lower right: Park name imprinted in concrete wall