{"id":644,"date":"2024-07-17T02:31:58","date_gmt":"2024-07-17T00:31:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/stanbednarekdesign.com\/?p=644"},"modified":"2024-07-17T02:31:58","modified_gmt":"2024-07-17T00:31:58","slug":"buga-rostock-2025-former-landfill-restoration","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/stanbednarek.com\/index.php\/2024\/07\/17\/buga-rostock-2025-former-landfill-restoration\/","title":{"rendered":"BUGA Rostock 2025 – former landfill restoration"},"content":{"rendered":"
Landscape architecture<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n
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Land Restoration
Renaturation
Smart City<\/td>\n 		November 2020<\/td>\n RMPSL LA<\/a>
BUGA<\/a>
City of Rostock<\/a><\/td>\n 		together with
Sabelo Jeebe
Mohamed Amer<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n

Intro<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The BUGA<\/strong> (ger. Bundesgartenschau<\/em>) is a biennial federal horticulture show in Germany, covering topics like landscaping, water management, and climate resilience, recently often intertwined with urban renewal and city planning. Rostock has applied to host the 2025 edition, with project costs estimated at EUR 800 million<\/strong> by 2022, of which the restoration of a former landfill was only a part.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

From November 2018 to July 2021, I worked at RMPSL<\/strong>, a leading landscape architecture design office established in 1951. At RMPSL, we focused on creating concepts that prioritize usability and positive experiences, catering to humans as individuals, societies as groups, and nature as a non-human client.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Design Process<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Landscape architecture is often seen as “making a pretty visualization” or “planting some trees”, but the reality is much more complicated. The diagram below illustrates the design process when working on a public competition in landscape architecture. It does not differ much from work in any other design field, although it is usually more complex.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Landscape Architecture Design Process Diagram | \u00a9 Stanislaw Bednarek 2024<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

About the project<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The project area was planned to be both the centerpiece of the BUGA and part of integrated urban renewal concept, including projects such as a pedestrian and bicycle bridge across the Warnow River, a new housing development north and east of the former landfill, and the reconstruction of boulevards and the harbor on the Warnow’s southern bank<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Situating the Stadtpark <\/em>as part of the city’s revitalization projects system | \u00a9 Stanislaw Bednarek 2024<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Since its reclamation, the former Dierkow landfill has transformed into a near-natural succession area. Despite its “dirty” past, the landfill now blends seamlessly into the Hechtgraben lowlands and surroundings. That’s why, although covering approximately 50 hectares and situated opposite Rostock’s historic Old Town, it remains largely unnoticed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As part of the Warnow Circular Path<\/strong> (Warnowrundweg<\/em>), the future park will be the centerpiece of the city’s new open space framework, serving as a local recreation area and connecting the northern districts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Concept<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The concept envisions developing a largely extensive landscape city park (Stadtpark<\/em>), with a ring-shaped outer area (Park Shell, <\/strong>Parkschale<\/em>) that is spatially and functionally linked to the surrounding areas. Radial paths from the entrance areas penetrate the Extensive Belt <\/strong>(Extensivg\u00fcrtel<\/em>) leading to the central Leisure Plateau<\/strong> (Freizeitplateau<\/em>). South-facing terraces (Landscape Terraces<\/strong>, Landschaftsterrassen<\/em>) extend from the plateau toward the Warnow, offering various perspectives of the Old Town. Along the Warnow, the terracing meets the Warnowband<\/strong>, providing numerous quieter leisure opportunities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Zoning Diagram | \u00a9 Stanislaw Bednarek 2024<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The park is accessed by various circular paths, offering a variety of activities and experiences with diverse themes and atmospheres. The Warnowband connects the park to the inter-district Warnow Circular Path, where users can explore water-related themes at the intersection of city, harbor, and landscape. Within the city park, the Warnow Circular Path merges with the Landfill Loop<\/strong> (Deponieloop<\/em>), making the former landfill’s spatial edges legible. The Landfill Loop interweaves with adjacent areas (Hechtgraben and Speckgraben wildlife area, reed wetlands, Warnow River, and Warnowquartier housing project), offering a range of nature and environmental education experiences. The Inner Circular Path<\/strong> (Innere Rundweg<\/em>), running alongside the other circular paths near the “Old Town View<\/strong>” (Altstadtblick<\/em>) jetty<\/strong>, defines the park’s central, intensively used area. The Leisure Plateau is framed by the Leisure Loop<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Leisure Plateau<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The central leisure area is characterized by intensive usage with various free sport and play activities. Visitors always have the central play and viewing sculpture, the Climate Lighthouse<\/strong> (Klimaleuchtturm<\/em>), in view. This landmark can be seen from all directions, both from the northern districts and from the old town. As a play sculpture made of interlocking aluminum profile tubes and nets, it represents a lightweight solution that is compatible with the sensitive ground despite its considerable height. The nets are designed on several levels as closed “bubbles” with connecting net tubes, which ensures safe playability. The upper levels are inclined to the south and thus represent large “viewing hammocks”. As a discreetly illuminated landmark with an information terminal, the climate lighthouse is also integrated into the park’s smart environmental concept<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The central leisure area is a hub of activity, featuring numerous sports and play options. Its focal point is the Climate Lighthouse<\/strong> (Klimaleuchtturm<\/em>), a play sculpture made of interlocking aluminum tubes and nets. Visible from both the northern districts and the Old Town, this lightweight structure is designed to minimize ground impact. The nets form closed “bubbles” connected by net tubes, ensuring safe play, while the upper levels serve as south-facing “viewing hammocks.” Discreetly illuminated and equipped with an information terminal, the Climate Lighthouse integrates seamlessly into the park’s smart environmental concept<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u00a9RMPSL; with English explanations added for the purpose of the case study<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The plateau is effectively “shielded” from the residential areas to the north-east by moundwalls. These earthwalls are integrated into the design as tribunes and play areas. The plateau is divided into different usage areas for different user groups<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Youth Activity Area<\/strong> – features an exercise course, skating facilities, climbing wall, and slacklines, catering to teens<\/strong>. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Fun Sports Area<\/strong> – the area with multifunctional sports fields, calisthenics, table tennis etc., that offers a wide range of opportunities for formal sports<\/strong> as well as entertainment sports<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Play and Sport Lawn<\/strong> – a spacious sports lawn offering more flexibility<\/strong> that can be used as a football pitch, playing field for volleyball and much more.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Lifecycle Playground<\/strong> – a themed playground focused on environmental topics for children<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. Fitness Zone<\/strong> – fitness equipment, boules lanes etc. – an active recreation for older population<\/strong>. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  6. A centrally-located kiosk<\/strong> <\/em>with equipment rental and a toilet.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
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    \u00a9RMPSL, A. Calitz<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Landscape Terraces <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    The Landscape Terraces form the park’s quieter, yet still intensively used central area. The terraced southern slope offers various levels with views of the Warnow River and Rostock’s Old Town. Paths with gabion seats provide peaceful recreational spots, shaded by multi-stemmed solitary trees and trees clusters. Sun loungers on the slopes add comfort. Integrated into the lowest terrace near the Warnowband, the Green Amphitheater<\/strong> features seating on recessed steps and grass embankments. Beyond formal events, it serves as a Speakers Corner<\/strong> and provides excellent views.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    Warnowband and Altstadtblick<\/em> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    The Warnowband between the landfill and the shoreline area, as part of the Warnow Circular Path, is a key park area, combining water experiences, recreation, play, and nature. To protect the biotope, water access is limited to specific areas only, with the path running along the top of the embankment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    \u00a9RMPSL, A. Calitz<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    The highlight is the Altstadtblick<\/em> jetty<\/strong>, extending from the high bank promenade above the protected reed wetland to the river. It offers diverse recreational zones, including the elevated Warnow Tribune<\/strong> (Warnowtrib\u00fcne<\/em>) with panoramic views of the Old Town and St. Mary’s Church. A lower terrace provides barrier-free water access and seating steps. The jetty also accommodates water sports enthusiasts, connecting the Warnowband to the water while minimizing impact on the wetland.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    Park Shell and <\/em>Landfill Loop <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    The Park Shell forms the park’s Outer Ring<\/strong> (\u00c4u\u00dfere Ring<\/em>), connecting it to surrounding residential and natural areas by creating semi-public, semi-private, and semi-accessible spaces. The Landfill Loop connects these uses as a thematic adventure trail<\/strong> and makes the dimensions of the former landfill site visible in terms of design.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Utilization Pockets<\/strong> (Nutzungspockets<\/em>), located in the Shell, focus on recycling and anthropogenic soils, forming an educational trail <\/strong>about the landfill’s history. A small playground at the Warnowquartier entrance playfully addresses these themes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    In the west, the Landfill Loop offers extensive nature areas, a viewing platform bridge (Landschaftsbalkon<\/em>), and the Primelberg view opening (Primelbergfenster<\/em>), showcasing views of historic Primelberg settlement. An information station brings the village’s history to life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The northwest corner has entrance square with a playground themed around a “lake trading center” (Seehandelspielplatz<\/em>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The northern part of the Shell along the Landfill Loop features gardens, urban beekeeping, and orchards. The northeast corner includes a linear square where a restaurant with an outdoor area could be integrated. The eastern part contrasts with the Extensive Belt through more intensive usage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    Extensive Belt <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    The Extensive Belt, situated between the Park Shell and the Leisure Plateau, is an open landscape shaped by natural succession, reflecting its anthropogenic past. This area is divided into zones with varied management, such as seasonal mowing, sheep grazing, and perennial fallow land. It features habitat pockets with low-maintenance plants like wild shrubs, roses, blackberries, sloes, and sea buckthorn, extending from the edges into the belt. Rubble-paved mule tracks allow visitors to explore this otherwise untouched natural area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    Vegetation and Landscape Concepts <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    The existing vegetation on the landfill site is seen as a valuable, mature biotope appropriate to the location. Preserving existing vegetation with targeted interventions is optimal for creating a sustainable, low-maintenance urban park and is cost-effective. In order to increase biodiversity the area will be enriched with structural and habitat pockets of different types:<\/p>\n\n\n\n