Project Westland Stuttgart Courtyard Westland

2011 | "Exemplary Building" award from the Baden-Württemberg Chamber of Architects.

The design for an inner courtyard in the Gründerzeit area of western Stuttgart is based on a graphic pattern of circumferential bands. These are divided by different coverings. Sculptural bodies of cubic yew hedges, sawn blocks of oak trunks, compact fields of ornamental grass as well as the water table and water basin, are set as objects on the bands. The innermost lawn forms the green core of the open space.

The design concept divides the courtyard with a pattern of surrounding bands. The design gives the courtyard a special identity and accentuates the address formation of the quarter within Stuttgart's west. The inner courtyard, which was previously tightly built with a rear building and had asphalted and concreted courtyard areas, was redesigned into a high-quality open space. The new generous space, which in addition to its concise, graphic expression, contains a variety of usable areas, is accessible at all times to the residents and employees of the surrounding residential and commercial development as a communally usable garden. The open space is divided into a graphic pattern of approx. 1.2 m wide bands, which consist of different coverings. Alternating granite pavers, cast-in-place concrete surfaces and water-bound surfaces were used here. The bands trace the frame of the surrounding perimeter development like shells, becoming narrower towards the inside. The innermost area is designed as a lawn, which forms the green core of the open space and invites as a multifunctional area to play and to stay. The bands are structured with sculptural bodies made of different elements, which seem to follow the course of the bands like randomly placed objects. They consist of cubically cut hedge bodies, yew trees, sawn blocks of oak trunks, compactly planted fields of ornamental grasses and two water elements. The garden courtyard is conceptually accentuated by the two elements, water table and water basin. The rippling sound of the water masks existing city noises intruding into the courtyard. The dynamics of the moving water and the reflections that occur create a charming and lively atmosphere in the garden courtyard. The water table accentuates the garden with its sculptural effect and gives it a focal point. A play point with a sandy area and small play equipment supports the quality and diversity of use of the garden courtyard. The tree concept with Himalayan birch, ornamental apple and a catalpa accentuates the garden spatially and strengthens its green living appearance.