Open spaces Havelspitze, Berlin

The landscape space fascinates. Peace and power. One marvels at the quality of the water in conjunction with the riparian zones. And it is the subtle reaction that this quality provokes. Not the pompous one. Especially at the "top".

We try to succinctly capture the multiple relationships on the banks of the Havel: Small square at the west end of the busy axis south bridge with pier for water taxis, jetties and pier at the Westufe, the wide jetty as a stage, viewing terrace, highlight of all north-south directions, the south-facing square with the stone SO corner and the quality natural bank of the east side.Axes, spaces and directions of the urban landscape are further developed, they increase to their end and high points in the area of the Havelspitze with views of the old town and citadel.

The north-south axes are taken up via the small square with access to the water and landing stage for water taxis, and reinforced by further south-facing linear structures; jetties, the 140 m long row of columned poplars, bands of slabs and the arcade of the west façade. They find their destination in the jetty's viewing platform suspended above the Havel. It serves as a sun terrace and concert stage. Large sailcloths can be used as temporary furnishings. One leaves the shore, becomes part of this water landscape. To the south and southeast, the Havelspitze presents itself as a plaza (water-bound surface). The geometric southeast corner is bordered with steps. All stone edges can also be used as seating steps.

The center remains restrained, meadow area, some tree groves of birch poplars. The transition into the courtyard is made by precise waves of lawn, sloping against each other. They ensure grandiose views, at the same time reducing disturbances and glimpses. Trimmed hornbeam hedges create niches. Open and hidden ones. The residential courtyard bears the character of a cherry grove.

The east side remains quieter, as unchanged as possible, very close to nature. Water bonded cover or gravel areas with path bands. The pontoon allows a view of the pond mums. Play is possible everywhere. Core area and play equipment leans against some groves of trees. Play equipment as simple forms. Art in the space is conceivable in conjunction with the form of the pontoon or in the form of stone seating objects.

Materials are restrained. Surfaces in water-bound cover with path bands of granite slabs. All edgings and edges made of light, slightly ochre-coloured natural stone. The concept does without new forms. Shape-defining, site-typical elements present the Havelspitze as an ensemble of powerful characters.

AppreciationGerman Landscape Architecture Award 2001

Jury verdict: It is a successful work of craftsmanship, which is particularly impressive due to its excellent presentation. The careful handling of the existing building shows how sensitively the authors respond to the local qualities with their design. The preservation of the tree population leads, for example, in the area of the staircases to exciting solutions.

The transition from public to semi-public space is convincingly solved.