© Martin Kunze
Open space is not a nice-to-have but rather a necessity to create a liveable environment. Well-designed open spaces are neighbourhood locations that enable residents to relax in leafy surroundings, support well-being, and structure the district in synergy with the urban development. Open space design plays an important role at IBA Hamburg. As a rule, urban/open space planning competitions are selected and qualification procedures are initiated for subsections.
During the planning process the identity of the surroundings is addressed and taken into account so that the open space is integrated in the best possible way and stays in keeping with the local character. Large green corridors and landscape axes are continued across the individual districts or may be linked together for the first time.
The open space includes parks, green corridors and gardens, sport and playgrounds as well as local squares, streets and pathways and waterside locations.
more than 1,500
plant species have been recorded in Hamburg (BUKEA)
311
allotment associations exist in Hamburg and 34,500 allotments
2002
is when Park Fiction, a work co-created by citizens, was part of Documenta XI
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Through multiple uses (different functions or at different times of the day), space usage is kept to a minimum and natural spaces can be retained. This protects habitats for animals. All exterior spaces should, where possible, create cross-generational opportunities, be attractive and accessible to people of all ages and thus become lively places of encounter. The district should be disabled accessible as much as possible.
Careful treatment of nature in and around each district is a particular desire. Here, the IBA Hamburg attempts to go beyond the prescribed standards. Concepts for the retention of valuable green structures (such as impressive stocks of trees) are developed and future-proof strategies to handle the needs of nature conservation are created. The job of the IBA Hamburg also includes providing information to and educating the public, for example, on natural garden design or how to behave in nature conservation areas. Exchange with actors from the world of nature conservation is sought out and, if possible, shared projects initiated.
On the Elbe Islands and in particular in the new districts, water, in the form of canals and drainage ditches, becomes a guiding element. Already today, waterside areas are open to the public in various places and will be extended in the future.
One special feature resulting from the urban development in Wilhelmsburg is the landscape axis running from the Wilhelmsburger Inselpark in the south to the Spreehafen in the north. Here, people can spend their free time and reach their destination easily by bike or on foot. Accessible paths and the so called LOOP cycle connection lead through leafy spaces, sometimes directly by the canal. Along this main pathway, diverse spaces and atmospheres will arise – from allotments and secluded niches by the water to open play, leisure and recreation areas.
The approximately 15-hectare Grüne Loop is Oberbillwerder’s main artery. It links the five quarters with each other. It also takes you to all schools and kindergartens. Safe, well-made paths with integrated playgrounds and exercise facilities for people of any age, as well as places for rest and relaxation, are what make this green ring stand out. In various places, ecological areas are integrated to improve the diversity of urban nature in terms of plants and animals. The Grüne Loop (Green Loop) is at the same time an important component of the drainage concept. Waterside areas and sports grounds can simply be inundated in heavy rain. These areas store water like a sponge so it can flow away in a measured fashion, without overloading the existing system.
A park-like green area, runs east to west through Fischbeker Reethen. Various scenic sections of the park can be discovered along this blue-green strip. Expanses of water such as the ‘Rethenbek’ stream and the lake in the centre as well as sweeping meadows with scattered groups of trees create a special green and open space. Along the almost 850 metre-long blue-green strip, there will be play areas for children and young people, public spaces, exercise facilities for older people and numerous places to sit and relax. The strip also fulfils important functions such as the retention and controlled drainage of rainwater. Another positive effect is cooling during periods of hot weather in summer.
The IBA Hamburg has the goal of reducing the amount of felling needed and aims to retain trees throughout the entire planning and development process. This is not always possible given the construction processes; however, the IBA Hamburg integrates tree protection measures into the plans early on. The following measures are always assessed and, if feasible, deployed:
Local squares and playgrounds, public open spaces and exercise facilities are also part of the open space concept and define the character of the district in interplay with the buildings. The new residential areas of Vogelkamp Neugraben and Fischbeker Heidbrook are already finished to a large extent. Here, the quality of carefully designed squares and facilities is more and more apparent: increased quality of life as a result of public open spaces and neighbourhood meeting points right by the front door. The open spaces have been realised with a selection of native plants and materials in line with the guiding principle of “Living close to nature”.
