Sömmerda riverside terraces on the Mühlgraben Open space design

The original design of the Mühlgraben between the Stadtparkbrücke bridge and the Dreysemühle mill was formed by high embankment walls as a strong incision in the terrain, which meant that the water could only be experienced from close up. The views between the park and the city center were also obstructed by raised beds and plantings, so that there was hardly any relationship between the recreational space of the park and the city center.

By freeing up the space and gently lowering the terrain towards the Mühlgraben, the view of the water is already possible from the market, Adolf-Barth-Straße or the corner of Nicolaus-v.-Dreyse-Straße and connects the spaces via opening sight lines into the depths of the park.

The lowering of the terrain is designed in the form of terraces, with the upper paved area also assuming the function of the necessary path connection as a recreational area.

The valuable monuments of the mill and wooden bridge are exposed by the lowering of the terrain and can therefore be seen from a greater distance.

The reduced eye level of the viewer from the lowest terrace results in interesting new perspectives on the monuments.

Bringing the water to life gives the open space a new quality of stay.

The historic house bridge was completely renovated at the same time by an engineering firm and all bank walls and abutments were renewed according to the open space design.

The "balcony" created in connection with the abutment of the bridge will be the arrival area for cyclists on the Unstrut cycle path.

Sophisticated planting with year-round ornamental value rounds off the facility.