Competition Documentation Bückeberg | 1. prize Design of a historical-topographical information system

Invitation competition | 1st prize

with mjunghannover and ermisch Büro für Gestaltung, Hannover

Jury assessment:
In the concept of the consortium Martina Jung, Christoph Ermisch and Volkmar Kerck, the jury saw the requirements fulfilled substantially and in the sum of the elements predominantly positively and placed the concept in first place. The successful balance of information islands and square development as well as the emphasis on the relationship between the tribune of honour and the speaker's stand were highlighted.

Explanatory text:
The grounds on the Bückeberg, where the so-called Reichserntedankfeste took place from 1933 to 1937, have been listed as a historic monument since 2011. Thanks to its distinctive horseshoe-shaped extension and the remains of the middle path, it is eye-catching even from a distance. Elements proposed for the historical-topographical information system must strike a balance between the graphic surfaces necessary to convey information and the associated intervention in the terrain. The square should be made comprehensible and legible in its dimensions and with its special features, without "furnishing" it too much. Our concept ideas take this into account.

The reconstruction of components that were present on the square at the time of use is not planned. The visitors are invited to search for traces and, by walking through the former fairground, step by step, they acquire the information they need for understanding. The information modules offer explanations, historical images and numerous points of reference for an examination of the history of the site. In addition, they refer to the project's website, where topic-related audio and video contributions can be accessed.

It becomes clear that the terrain was purposefully developed and used as a place of mass propaganda, a propaganda that not only targeted the participants, but also radiated throughout the entire German Reich and beyond via media dissemination.

Core idea: The Bückeberg as a place of propaganda