The basic structure of the horticultural exhibition areas is defined by a generous, unified coastal strip that connects the different elements and open spaces of the city and creates a link between the city and Lake Constance. The site will offer a variety of play, exercise, recreational, communication and gastronomic attractions. The waterfront is an integral part of the cycling and hiking network and has a number of tourist attractions. The planning area extends from the western landscaped lakeshore to the eastern town square.
The waterfront promenade begins to the west, in the vicinity of Sylvester Chapel. Loose clumps of trees overlook the pier on the lake, creating a visual link between the two sites. Given the historical and sacred significance of the site, the local intervention itself and the furnishings are very restrained. The lawns beneath the clusters of trees invite local residents and visitors to relax in tranquillity.
The campsite will be removed from the area around the Sylvester Chapel to create a wide strip of public space along the lake.
A new route between the Überlingen Therme railway station and the boat harbour will restore the transport link between the railway and Lake Constance; this will be one of the main entrances to the garden exhibition. The paved surface leads directly from the station building to the Lake Constance harbour. It is load-bearing along its entire length and can be made available for vehicular traffic if required.
Along the shoreline promenade, contemporary green spaces and plazas will provide a link between the city and the lake, preserving existing structures and pathways. The size and shape of the green spaces will remain unchanged.
The open spaces in the city centre are designed for more intensive use, and the planting is also in keeping with the urban feel: a "canopy" of pruned trees protects pedestrians from the sun, wind and weather without blocking the view of the lake. The road from the town to the lake leads through a medieval setting. While the historic paving of the streets and squares is made up of granite cobbles, the promenade along the shore focuses on modernity in the form of clean, smooth-surfaced granite flagstones. This contemporary look unifies the entire length of the promenade. The smooth-surfaced granite slabs are more accessible to pedestrians and cyclists, especially those with limited mobility.
The existing retaining walls of the Mantelhafen (former harbour bay) will be preserved. The floating pontoons planned for the western entrance to the peninsula will provide access to the fluctuating water levels of Lake Constance.
The central part of the harbour has been designed as a wide stairway to facilitate access to the water. Visitors can sit by the water under the canopy of pruned trees and experience the harbour's bustle. Boat owners can easily access their boats from this part of the harbour. The harbour is structurally designed to follow the seasonal fluctuations in the water level of Lake Constance.
2012
Design competition
Client: Stadt Überlingen
Co-designer: Andreas Bunk (Bunk Landschaftsarchitekten Ingenieure Gutachter, Hamburg)
Architect: Dajka Péter, Berecz Dániel (Puhl Architects)
Traffic Engineer: Ercsényi Balázs (Főmterv)
Size: 142 500 m2
