Spa forest park in Bad Lippspringe State Garden Show Bad Lippspringe 2017

The interplay between forest and clearing form the atmospheric structure of the new “Kurwaldpark” – a historic health resort park in Bad Lippspringe. It is a permeable membrane of historic forest areas, park windows and long stretches of meadows.

The dense existing forest is interwoven with a sequence of simple and clear spatial sceneries. They introduce light, air and space into the forest. These interventions offer new perspectives and ways of connecting with the forest, without compromising the forest’s aura of magic and mystery.
Kurpark and Parkwald are interpreted as a coherent open space motif. A new type of park is created, which exemplifies the possible handling of forest stands close to settlements.

With the park’s new identity it’s become a unique trait for the city of bad Lippspringe. The project is an example for a new approach of designing forested areas near settlements. The park forms an integral part in the local structure of settlement, spa facilities and recreational areas. It acts not only as a spatial but also as an atmospheric connection of the surrounding area. The wide array of activities redefines the historical health resort as a public recreational park usable for all year round.

Prelude: Kaiser-Karls-Park and Große Kurpromenade
The existing spa park was reinterpreted with a new contemporary design while maintaining its historical axis. Two axes extend the motif of the “Kurpromenade” to the north and east. In the center of the park, the former water basin is expanded and displays water fountains. The water basin with its surrounding square leads to a two-lane promenade lined with spectacular perennials and seating below old trees.
Toward the north and east of the park the perennials gradually become more natural. The number of enduring perennials with a tendency to merge with the forest increases towards these more natural areas. An alternating floral composition of annuals and shrubs in the central area of the park is on permanent display.

A New Type of Park: The Forest Park
The basic structure is based upon the historical layout orthogonally oriented forest blocks. Aligning with this historical principle, existing paths within and around the park were improved and new paths were added.
Clear spatial sceneries of different intensities are woven into the dense existing forest. Recurring materials throughout the different areas reunite the perception of the park as a whole. They introduce light, air and space into the forest, without compromising the forest’s aura of mystery and magic.

Ecology and Topography: The Clearing
The special topography of the forest park originating from glacial inland dunes was emphasized with the creative use of clearing creating light gaps. Furthermore, the two different typologies og clearing and forest provide a variety of habitats.
In the center of park, an up to 30-metre-wide dune gap connects the eastern entrance at the thermal baths with the historic hall in the west. It was created by thinning out the tree population. Seeded meadows and wild perennials enrich the existing forest flora. The dune bridge designed by SINAI provides an additional connection between the city and the recreational forest to the north.

Park Window: The Mersmann Ponds
The Meersmann Ponds between the dunescapes were not visible at the time of the design process. Now, they once were, they reintegrate as a central part of the landscape ensemble.
The existing trees are thinned out to create softly contoured views and open lawns for lounging, playing, and picnicking.
Through this, the relief of the landscape becomes perceptible and once again the sun can reach perennials and bodies of water while single trees enrichen the park. The restored ponds are accessible via platforms on the banks. On the peak of the dune, a seating area a wide view.

Of Elves and Trolls: The Playgrounds
All playground elements are unique design - developed directly on site, they are home to their surroundings.
Signs hinting at the existence of fantastical beings dwelling in the forest can be found throughout the park, such as fairies and elves, trolls and ogres.

Nature and Landscape Experience AwardGerman Landscape Architecture Award 2019

Jury verdict: The redesign of the Waldkurpark in Bad Lippspringe by SINAI skilfully stages THE romantic place of longing for the Germans, the forest. The work convinces with a high degree of sensuality. The planners treat the existing site with care and create an enchanting place through pointed sharpening and setting. Here, nature can be experienced in its most sensual and subliminal form.

A dramatic interplay of light and shadow, of light and dark seduces the visitor to grope ever deeper into the park. Long corridors of light and reflecting bodies of water provide breathtaking highlights and beautifully set off the ancient trees. Without conspicuous instruction and overload of knowledge, nature is brought closer to the visitor with all its coarse and fine aspects.

The new construction is handled with restraint. The added materials and forms of the coverings and furnishings create a very high-quality overall impression of the facility and stand in exciting contrast to the wild natural landscape. A beautiful contribution for more sensuality against the pragmatism in our open spaces.