SINFONIE

A Changing Park: Cities, forests, and people in harmony.

Product/
urban design

SoSe 2023/24

Nature in the City,
City in Nature

Urbanization has long encroached on nature's boundaries, while cities simultaneously create “artificial nature” like parks and green spaces. This paradox underscores the need for cooperation and symbiosis between humans and nature.
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In this group project, we focused on the Main Ufer area, aiming to transform it into a harmonious space for both. Currently, this flat riverside area is home to diverse birds and a popular resting spot, but 85% of it is occupied by parking lots, leaving little room for nature or human leisure. Following research, we initiated a redesign to address these issues.

The Current Main Ufer Area

The riverside is rich in bird species and human activity.

Area Research I

1.
The parking lot is underused, with only 195 out of 482 spaces used weekly, peaking at 238 during the flea market.

2.
The dam must remain intact and may need to be raised due to frequent past flooding.

underutilized parking lot

1.Saturday Flea Market 2. In the 1860s, the square was mostly underwater. 3. German media urges better flood protection. 4. The canceled proposal

Area Research II

The boundary between plants and roads shows a disconnect between design and usage, with signs of nature and urban elements encroaching on each other, such as worn transition zones, water-damaged paths, and disrupted nature reserves marked by broken fences.

Problem Area

We analyzed the functions and structures to ensure the redesigned space meets and enhances the required needs.

         Commuting ---- Routes
                          Leisure and activities ---- Open spaces and facilities
                                                                                    Parking ---- Parking lots or multi-story parking garages
flood prevention ---- Dams
                           Animals and plants ---- Ecological communities
       Boat docking ---- Wharf
                  Fishing ---- Wharf

Circular Grid System
Zone Division

The area is divided into 10-meter diameter circles, based on the parking layout and space usage at Main Ufer. This circular grid offers flexibility and inclusiveness.

The area is divided into three sections based on activity needs: a parking area, a park, and a ecological zone.

From large to small, all follow the same grid.

The layout is based on pedestrian, stroller, bicycle, car, and parking space sizes, which guide the design of road surfaces and areas. Each area has specific tile needs based on usage, so we created custom tiles. These tiles align with the base grid system and adapt to various areas, ensuring smooth transitions.

detailed division

Zone Division Diagram

Size Comparison and Reference （Basic Grid Unit：25x25cm） The large circle has a 10-meter diameter, represented by
the green circle in the image above.

One person

a bicycle

a car

base grid

parking area
park
ecological zone

a stroller

Material and Structure of paving tiles

The floor tile is made of EcoRock (a recyclable material by SeriousMaterials) with a two-layer structure and replaceable filling. The top and bottom patterns fit perfectly, supporting weight, drainage, and plant growth, creating a smooth transition between human spaces and greenery.

eco - stone

3D Printed Floor Tile Model

Rendering

Overall visualization

The dam height is designed as large steps, offering a prime viewing spot where people can enjoy nature and take in the entire square and river view. Different facilities in various areas provide more activity options.

These facilities, along with the transition from paving stones and zoning, help guide human activity, ensuring minimal intrusion into green spaces.

This design creates more opportunities for both human activities and natural plant growth, preparing for future sustainability and evolution.

The park evolves over time with changing usage and natural growth.

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