New shores Überlingen

Climate change, biodiversity and the development of ecosystems are key issues for the future of our society. The concept for the design of the riverside park to the west of Überlingen city center develops a cultural landscape perspective from these references.

The riverside park and the urban promenade in front of the old town are developed as opposing poles, the framework of which redefines the shoreline situation over a distance of 2.5 km. In contrast to the landscape-related nature of the park, the promenade stages the historic urban structures. Its design aims to carefully incorporate new accents in order to continue the tradition of the historical and identity-forming urban space.

SPACE FOR ECOLOGY AND LANDSCAPE ENJOYMENT

The lakeside park is bordered on its southern side by Lake Constance and to the north by the impressive shapes of the molasse rocks. The resulting narrow layout of the park means that the demands of open space use and ecological concerns overlap here and the concept relies on the synergies that can be developed through the creative mediation of both aspects. This has resulted in the conversion of a formerly heterogeneous commercial and camping site into a structurally rich landscape area that provides the initial impetus for site-specific ecological development. In place of the former bank wall, a moving bank topography was modeled in which steep and shallower areas alternate. The alternating water zone created in this way promotes the dynamics of exchange between water and land and initiates site-specific ecological development. The lake gains space at high tide. At the same time, the park's scenography offers space for contemplative and playful appropriation. The added structural richness of the shallow and steep banks is not only of ecological value, but can also be explored.

PLANTING AS VALUE ADDITION

The planting concept also aims to rediscover the familiar. To this end, species from the cultivated landscape are combined with representatives of a "classic" park aesthetic, giving the park a special appearance. For example, various shrub plantings in the park take up the characteristic heat-loving shrubs of the steep banks of Lake Constance and combine their species with various ornamental shrubs. A beach lawn with formerly widespread species of Lake Constance vegetation offers a special field of discovery.

THE DISCOVERY OF THE PRESENT

The ecological diversity gained will determine the park experience and will be influenced by the types and intensity of use itself. In this way, multi-layered dynamics are initiated that allow the landscape situation of the shores of Lake Constance to be experienced in ever new ways. The concept thus gives the uncontrollable a concrete significance as a design tool for the park experience.

The lakeside park and promenade were realized as part of the Landesgartenschau Überlingen 2021.

First prizeGerman Landscape Architecture Award 2023

Jury verdict:
On the two and a half kilometer long and in parts very narrow shore section of Lake Constance, this project impresses as a public open space with new powerful qualities. It succeeds with a pleasant naturalness in adapting to the specific local situation and yet articulating an independent and coherent design language in all sections.

The cultural landscape attractions are skillfully worked out. The jury particularly praised the exemplary handling of the riverbank. The former wall was modeled into varied situations consisting of flatter and steeper sections. Allowing for dynamism turns the formerly static bank into a living bank. These newly created shoreline zones create atmosphere, are places of exploration and, as an alternating water zone, are both part of the lake ecology and a means of climate adaptation. The reference to the landscape can be felt in all sections. The lake is always the star!

Together with the planting concept of existing trees, traditional and contemporary plant motifs, the banks gain in structural richness and atmospheric quality. From the jury's point of view, the vegetation planning in the park area supports the creation of space and incorporates the elements of the cultural landscape to an appropriate extent. The climatic conditions in the area of the promenades allow for some Mediterranean-style planting, which skillfully contrasts the building facades and stone promenades.

The jury is impressed by this carefully designed but very powerful open space. The wealth of atmospheric motifs in the park and the promenade are convincing. It is a facility which, due to its rootedness in the landscape and its very own dynamic, credibly promises a long-lasting vitality for the future.