Burgerhof Offenburg

In early 2009, ideas for the redesign of the parks along the historic city wall of Offenburg were developed within the framework of a multiple commission.

Within the framework of a multiple commission, ideas for the redesign of the parks along the historic city wall of Offenburg were developed at the beginning of 2009. The winning design has since been further developed and is presented as follows:

Design idea
The design formulates as a central idea a band of urban gardens, which is divided by trimmed hedges with gates. The historic gardens are thus integrated formally and functionally into a rhythmic sequence of garden spaces extending from the historic staircase at Burgerhof to the kindergarten.
Exposed concrete gates accentuate the transitions between the gardens. The setting of the gardens by the inner and outer city walls and the repetition of the hedge and gate elements creates a perceptible design connection between the different spaces.

Garden spaces and topography
All garden spaces are connected by paths with access points through gates in the hedges. New gates and vistas in the Inner City Wall create links to Kittel Lane. A continuous path, the new circular path, will be laid along the Outer City Wall linking the gardens. The connection between the gardens is also emphasized by the new slope edge. As a continuous slope, it connects the new areas and divides the urban gardens into a lower and an upper level. The lower level is located at the knee- to waist-high exposed outer city wall; the upper level is located in front of the existing wall to Kittelgassse.
The slope is accentuated by stairs and ramps as well as low planting. On the upper level, a path connects the urban gardens; seating is provided here. Stairs and ramps as accesses from the Kittelgasse, which will lead into city balconies in the future, additionally structure the individual garden sections. The paths are designed as water-bound cover and partly as pavement.

Elements
Gardens and walls with gates and views
A sequence of U-shaped gates made of exposed concrete accentuates the transitions between the gardens. Connecting gates as well as the entrance gates can also be locked at night. The upper level is separated from the street by the existing inner city wall, which will be rehabilitated. It will also be supplemented by an exposed concrete wall up to the new development and will receive new gates and windows. The views are created by vertical "louvre" elements. Within the wall, a narrow path runs on the upper level under trees that border the space upwards. There are benches for resting.

Balustrade
The lower outer wall is exposed as a plinth and receives a new covering. As a guide and fall protection, a filigree steel balustrade is placed in front, which invites you to lean and enjoy the view of the Zwinger Park.

Pergola
A plain steel pergola along the old and new wall elements on the inner wall on Kittelgasse forms the vertical green finish and connects the very different wall sections in terms of design.

Planting
Low shrub plantings in the embankment area allow for seasonal aspects through flower colours and autumn colouring. Trees accent the area of the old upper city wall and provide shade in the seating areas.