Centro Verde green corridor, Mannheim Neckarstadt East

The green corridor of the "Centro Verde" represents the heart of the new residential quarter on the former site of the Ludwig Frank barracks in Mannheim. The new contiguous green space will create a "garden" for everyone, a central meeting place and an identity of its own for the new residential environment.

The central ribbon of lawn lies within a framework of paths and recreational areas. It is framed by steps of white concrete, which together with the areas of white scattered asphalt become the bright passe-partout of the open centre. Endpoints of the park to the east and west are two tree canopies that overshadow age-differentiated play areas and a raised platform with a bench.

The rows of trees along the streets in a north-south direction, which have been envisioned since the beginning of planning, establish the context within the neighborhood. Starting with the two groves of cherry trees, the space is widened and staggered in perspective by groups of small-leaved Himalayan birch trees and by individual pine trees. Along the southern and northern sidewalks, lounge areas are arranged. In addition to a clear overall space, interesting partial spaces are thus created at the same time, which invite visitors to linger with perennial areas, extensive plantings of shrub willows and seating areas.

An ecological added value could be achieved through infiltration of all rainwater via the green areas. The differentiated and graduated green and open space design with simple and high-quality elements stages a multifunctional open center, which is a successful counterpart to the high density in the neighborhood.

Even before the completion of the construction sites, the green corridor was realized as a means of address formation for the new quarter. The park's differentiated design creates a quality of outdoor space that enables residents to engage in a variety of activities and meet in the nearby green space.