2012: Transforming the Bridge | 12375

Team: Niels Fehlig, Julia Fehlig

Location: Hamburg, Germany

Overview: „GARDEN OF SENSES“ – Connecting Green

Masterplan – the missing link

As many other cities Cleveland today recognizes the potentials of its harbor and waterfront areas originally used by industries and shipping traffic.
Masterplans focus on the creation of green zones along the lake shore and the river banks of Cuyahoga River.
The single zones connect all along the lake shore forming a “green carpet” for leisure activities and local recreation.
The conversion of the lower level of the Veterans Memorial Bridge offers the opportunity to not only build a traffic connection, but to physically connect the park zones across the river. This is the missing link for the green carpet.

Access

The former streetcar level can be entered on both sides of the bridge. New ramps and entrance buildings mark the access from the adjacent parks. A third entrance from the river shore leads directly to the central span, creating a shortcut and connecting to the boat pier and car parks beneath the bridge.

The “Garden of Senses”

The former streetcar level is converted into a garden. Wooden planks form a path that leads around different places of activity and recreation inviting to linger and participate.

The “Garden of Senses” addresses to all mind, body and soul.

The mind-area is represented by places for street art theaters and gaming-areas.

In the body-area the focus is set on physical activities and culinary treats.

The soul-area stands for relaxation and recreation.

Green park and garden areas are located to both sides of the main path. In between wooden, stepped landscapes form the relax areas, which offer spaces to sit down for reading or just enjoying the fantastic view over the city.
At regular intervals the main path opens to a square, the „Plazas“, the center parts and meeting points. The view opens to all directions and benches are placed to experience sunsets and city lights.
Food and drink areas are located next to the plazas. There is a summer restaurant, bars and lounge areas.
Sport and play areas are integrated in between, like huge chess playgrounds, lanes for boules or petanque, as well as fitness courts and children’s playground.
An entertainment space for concerts, theatre plays or dance performances is located in the middle part of the bridge as an open space, including a seating platform and a multifunctional stage area.