OPEN SPACE IN HAFENCITY, HAMBURG GERMANY
The open spaces of the western part of Hafencity are central components of the processes of transformation of the former harbor zone south of the historical Speicherstadt (waterhouse district) bordering on the inner city.
This area has changed continuously throughout its history, in keeping with various harbor and industrial uses. The alternating ebb and high tides characterize the typical appearance of the port basin.
As protection against storm surges, new mixed used construction surfaces for central inner city functions such as residence, work, commerce, culture , and leisure will be elevated by approx three meters in the course of the development.
“Our intervention is dynamic and flexible. A changing landscape on a human scale, moving partially with the floods, bringing people nearer to the water and its moods.
The new profile of the land has been studied thinking of human needs, so that people can feel relaxed here. The new urban planning brings the public in a fluid movement from the new housing blocks down to the water, making for everyone’s enjoyment a new artificial landscape that is inhabited by natural elements: water and plants. People can find water and trees on every level of the public space.
Water level (0,00): A big floating platform provides access to small boats, sport boats and ferryboats, as well as leisure areas. Special floating elements provide the presence of greenery and trees at the water level. Water is visible from the borders and through holes, to create a pond like effect.
Low promenade level (4,50 ): This level is mainly for pedestrians, and will host small cafes thereby creating a relaxed promenade overlooking the water. This level will be flooded only on exceptionally bad weather days, on an average of twice or three times a year.
Street level (7, 50): We propose pedestrian and playing areas also at street level, separating heavy traffic from pedestrians.
“A system of ramps, stairways, and catwalks connect the different levels. One of the project’s most welcome protagonists is the vegetation; thee are many different types and the addition will change the look of the port according to the season of the year, a note of colour and contrasts for the northern city”.
