White Arkitekter, together with Rabe Landschaften, has won a competition to design a new park along the St. Pauli waterfront in Hamburg. This park aims to be a space for everyone, and its development involves direct input from local residents.
The new park will sit next to Park Fiction, a well-known local initiative from the 1990s that helped shape public spaces in the area. It was created by local residents who wanted to take control of waterfront development. The winning design, titled “Das Grüne Ding” (The Green Thing), is based on over 700 ideas collected from the community, illustrating the importance of local involvement.
Jake Ford, Lead Landscape Architect at White Arkitekter, emphasized the project’s goal of integrating residents’ suggestions while addressing environmental challenges, such as seasonal flooding. “We want to create a unique public space that reflects the wishes and needs of St. Pauli,” he said. The design includes flood protection measures and plans for greenery, providing shaded areas for relaxation and recreation.
The new park will feature various sports facilities, including skate parks and basketball courts. It will also serve as a permanent venue for local events, such as the weekly Sunday market and the annual harbour festival. Mayor Katharina Fegebank expressed her excitement, noting the significance of community participation in shaping the park. “This project shows that modern urban development can be cooperative and environmentally friendly,” she explained.
Community engagement has played a vital role throughout the project. Residents participated in workshops and provided feedback, ensuring their voices were heard. Justus Linz from the Park Fiction Committee highlighted the focus on creating a space that promotes social interaction without commercialization. “We are working on concepts to foster a welcoming environment through projects like a tea garden,” he said.
The influence of local voices is essential for the park’s design and future. With the community’s input driving the project, it represents a significant shift towards inclusive urban planning.
As cities around the world aim for sustainable and socially engaging public spaces, Hamburg sets an inspiring example. By blending community needs with eco-conscious design, the St. Pauli waterfront project can offer insights for future urban developments.
For more information about urban design trends, visit the American Planning Association.
In urban planning, the lessons from this project resonate widely. Cities that prioritize community input and sustainable designs are better equipped to meet residents’ needs while addressing climate challenges.
