Lohsepark, Hamburg
2009-2010
The competition for Hamburg Hafen City is one of many projects to define a contemporary urban landscape signature of this dynamic new neighborhood. The objectives of this competition tender were varied and challenging; ranging from urban piazzas, a cultural centre & elementary school, park areas at the north & south water edges, to last but not least, creating a historical connection between the remnants of rail tracks from which so many Hamburg residents were deported in WWII and the future museum on the west side of the park. Using 3D modeling tools, we were able to resolve complex topographic issues and create scenographic promenades across the park’s various leisure areas. To buffer the park from the intense traffic boulevard at the south, a large hill was created, which on its south slope provides a series of seated areas with a panoramic view of the water and Hafen. The planting strategy was to use dense plantations of gleditsia, pine and linden trees on the edges of the park and maintain several green mews as spaces to be adapted for recreational and cultural needs. The lighting concept underlines the small retaining walls / benches as well as the paths acting as ribbons in this quadratic urban typology.