New spatial relationship between the city and the Ulster river - Geisa, Germany
Competition - limited | 2011
Imprint
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Clearing the floodplain of the River Ulster from the industrial wasteland opened up new opportunities to reconnect the city of Geisa with its backbone – the Ulster. In contrast to the densely built medieval city core with clearly defined urban spaces, the floodplain offers first and foremost vastness.

The large green spaces of the floodplain can be experienced in new and different ways – walking or cycling, people follow the new path system or ramble as they please. On its fringes, the green spaces are connected with the historical urban fabric. New small squares with high amenity value are created and integrated into the overall system of the city’s public open spaces. The new path system works well with the existing pedestrian bridge. However, it is proposed that it is moved to a location further north up the river in order to better connect the community center with the inner city.

The former moat, which is currently covered with orchards, links the floodplain and the trail, which follows the city wall which is almost entirely intact. Barrier-free paths and narrow stairs lead from the river up to the level of the city wall, which allows access to the historical city centre at various points. The orchards will be replenished, while preserving the views of the surrounding landscape. The area in the immediate vicinity of the city wall will be kept free from trees to provide views from the trail to the surroundings as well as from the river up to the remarkable city wall.

One of the main aspects when redesigning the floodplain is the opening of the former millrace. It diverges from the Ulster at the same location as its predecessor. It splits in two at the level of the castle garden: One branch feeds the Pfortenbad pond on the eastern side, which merges again with the Ulster; The second branch runs along the footslope and further downstream back to the Ulster. The opening of the millrace is not only of ecological interest, but also creates new opportunities for recreational use.

 

With the collaboration of Carolin Ammann, Dipl. Ing. Landschaftsarchitektur FH - Bern, Switzerland.

Architecture consultancy: Atelier Aponto - Lisbon, Portugal.