The strategic concept

The manifold requirements for the realisation of the "Park am Nordbahnhof" required a flexible design framework, in which on the one hand the compensations for interventions in nature and landscape, the protection of historical monuments as well as the desired recreational functions and on the other hand the demands for a contemporary park design are reflected.

Based on the painting by M. Butzmann, the mission statement "The large meadow at the north station" was created. The vastness of the (urban) landscape, the openness of the meadows and the view of the city were preserved as well as the enchanted.

Evidence from the history were secured and are thus readable for the visitor. Instead of intensive use, this park is dedicated to contemplation - as a deliberate contrast to the intensively used Mauerpark not too far away.
Newly designed paths and recreational areas differ clearly from the existing ones in terms of materiality, furniture and use of plants.

Inputs

Visitors discover the history and nature of the park as special values, because they are won over for the place by means of the sensitive design. The striking design of the entrances attracts attention.

As in classical gardens, you walk through gates that protect the space behind them - and are locked at night. Behind them stretches a kind of "lost world". Through this valorization, the sensitivity of nature and its ecological significance become palpable.

Woody stock

The wooded area along the garden road forms a shady and contemplative area compared to the largely open meadows.

In the midst of the wooded area, an existing aisle originating from the former course of the Wall was kept clear and used for the creation of the "Wall Trail". Here there are also narrow entrances to the park in two exposed tunnels as well as an "archaeological window" that provides a view of the former underground border fortifications. In addition, two 3 x 3 meter cubes were built here from found natural stone shelves, giving the place something archaic.

Trapeze

Islands" are set into the "sea" of grasses, which can be reached via footbridges from the surrounding main paths.

There are play and sports facilities, places to sunbathe, read and dream...
The artificiality of the trapezes and the coloured seating and play bubbles provide an effective contrast to the lushly growing nature.

Dealing with history

The historical layers are respected, but not ostensibly staged. They are to be discovered rather casually by the attentive visitor.

The meadows

The open, wood-free area with steppe-like meadows gives the park its unique, distinctive atmosphere. This waving "sea" of grasses covers an area of approx. 1.24 hectares.

A framing of metal brackets emphasizes this structure.
A special feature is the meadow area made of shredded limestone, which promotes herb-rich and sparse meadow communities. The openness, which is maintained by constant removal of undesirable woody growth, ensures visual relationships to the silhouette of the city.

back to overview to the time shades

1. The strategic concept
2. Inputs
3. Woody stock
4. Trapeze
5. Dealing with history
6. The meadows