After the US military withdrew from Heidelberg about ten years ago, new residential areas, commercial buildings and cultural institutions were built on the former Campbell Barracks and Mark Twain village site. But the city also takes the design of public spaces seriously. The “Altro Parco” is a special meeting place.
project in project
The IBA “The Other Park” project in Heidelberg is modernizing an area that was inaccessible to most of Heidelberg’s residents for a long time. “IBA” stands for International Building Exhibition, for ten years projects and strategies have been developed for Heidelberg under the motto “Knowledge creates the city”.
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Model aerial photo of the IBA “The Other Park” project in the former Heidelberg barracks.
Studio Vulcano
past and present
“The other park” is located on the former barracks, built by the Wehrmacht in 1937 and used by the American military after the end of World War II until the US flag was finally lowered for the last time in March 2013.
The park shouldn’t be reminiscent of the military past, but at the same time not ignore it. The parade ground is maintained, but without rigid square borders, but as a circular area to be used for events. The connection with the barracks was interrupted by an asymmetrical movement. Planting is also asymmetrical, with German and American oaks planted in the ground without a recognizable pattern.
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There is a lot to discover in the “Other Park”
SWR
“The whole design always works with breaking at the crucial points, that is, leaving recognizable, but breaking. Adding counter-images.”
The concrete benches of the Americans have also been preserved, but the layout has been “Germanized” and the seating options are now much closer together, greeting the breadth of American areas.
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Old elements and new structures form the “Altro Parco”
SWR
Sunscreen instead of the checkpoint
A former roadblock, established after the attacks of 11 September 2001, is reminiscent of modern conflicts. But instead of keeping attackers away from American troops, the roof now offers protection from the sun or rain.
It is a park full of contrasts, typical of a park is the lawn with beautiful old trees, but in many places the flowering of newly planted bushes and trees is in the future. But the concept of usable public space with museum elements is compelling and Heidelberg has actually dared to do something here.
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