The design for the new district at the port entry of Mainz aims to seamlessly continue the urban fabric of Mainz’s old and new towns. Drawing inspiration from historic city zoning along the river edge, the project emphasizes continuity with the waterfront and reintegrates the city’s former port features. An avenue of plane trees extends a historical green axis, filtering between the city and river, while small hills with floodplain vegetation blend the landscape into the Rhine’s edge.
Referencing Mainz’s wine heritage, the historic wine storage building becomes a focal point, complemented by a pergola with a green roof and gastronomic facilities on the Rhine’s edge. The project retains and reinterprets existing port infrastructure, like railways and dock elements, transforming them into public space features.
In front of the Arthall, historic and contemporary elements converge, creating a plaza that reflects the city’s identity. A mosaic of colored slabs, arranged in the form of Gutenberg’s letters, honors Mainz’s legacy as the birthplace of printing. This thematic integration continues at the entrance to the new district, with trellised portals shaped from historic letters.
Sustainability is integral to the project, employing local and recycled materials, permeable surfaces, and energy-efficient lighting. Design strategies such as natural shading and cooling materials enhance comfort while minimizing environmental impact, ensuring a long-lasting and ecologically conscious urban development.
