City Park Church Meadow Grafenau 1st prize realization competition 2012

Although the city park bears the name Kirchenwiese (church meadow), a meadow in the true sense of the word was sought there in vain, as was the design or functional unity of the park with the adjacent city parish church. Only a narrow and inconspicuous staircase leads along the north side of the church to the church walkway and thus in the direction of the church meadow. The staircase on the west side of the church, which in its appearance is more reminiscent of a main entrance, was blocked by a gate on most days. A church forecourt did not exist at this point - only an undesigned back of the church with "rear exit".

Through the planning, the terms "city park" and "church meadow" were filled with content again.

The terrain of the Kirchenwiese rises from south to north with a total height difference of 30m. The city moat in the area of the Kirchenwiese is still clearly visible as a depression in the terrain. To the east, the green space of the former town moat is defined by the edge of the old town and delimited on the west side by a new row of lime trees accompanying the path to the planned building area. Striking trees and groves structure the terraced city park and create varied spaces and visual relationships. An extensive meadow with deck chairs and a view over the moat creates a generous, quiet recreational space. The new spring in the center of the park offers incentives for lively and creative play along a near-natural watercourse.

In addition to the main path to the west, the new church sidewalk provides the essential cross connection through the city moat of the church meadow. Within the framework of the topographical possibilities, the paths were designed to be predominantly barrier-free. The asphalt surface with a light-coloured natural stone coating of Schönberger Liparith has the effect of a water-bound surface, but with all the advantages of a bound surface layer.

The footpath ends on the west side of the town parish church at a new church forecourt, which was designed as a bastion (retaining wall in pointed concrete) and provides a view of the town park. Shady existing trees in combination with simple seating increase the quality of stay of the new square.