Parkbogen Ost

Karres and Brands was invited to participate in the competition ‘Parkbogen Ost’, a disused S-Bahn railroad line in Leipzig. Although the S-Bahn was constructed as an element of mobility and connection, its dominant linear orientation forms an obstacle in the city, especially now that the route has been discontinued. Rehabilitation of the railroad line can create a new linear ecosystem and serve as a recreational area that forms a four-dimensional connection with the surrounding area.

In our design, the Sellerhäuser Arch is no longer an obstacle in the urban fabric but connects different users, pedestrians and cyclists, and strengthens local flora and fauna. Through careful interventions, we are transforming the embankment and strengthening the typologies encountered: we want to promote both the anthropogenic structure and the nature that has dominated in recent years. For this we are creating a cultural landscape on the west side and a nature-dominated area on the east side of the railway embankment. The new recreation path is in the field of tension between organized and spontaneously developed nature.

The sunny west side of the railway embankment is cleared of undergrowth so that as much light as possible can flood the public space. To prevent the slope from drying out, biodiversity-promoting ground covers are planted. Added elements create a new urban cultural landscape. On the east side on the other hand, we only make minimal interventions and encourage the development of nature. Apart from the strategic removal of a few trees, most are preserved. Deadwood and fallen trees also remain on-site as nesting sites and winter quarters. This strengthens a diverse ecosystem and creates a movement corridor and retreat for various animals. Trees that have been felled are reused as play elements or piled up on the east side as new habitat areas.

In our design we were inspired by the existing materials and the encountered railway ecology. Our plan offers space for the “wild things” - a metaphor for ecology, nature and wilderness, but also for special activities and urban life - for imagination and a new dimension of urban life. The new city park becomes an escape from everyday life.