Port area

After the abandonment of its original use, an industrial port site such as "Graf Bismarck" offers outstanding textures for the development of high-quality open spaces with a high quality of stay. Two plazas, one in the east and one in the west, and a waterfront promenade along the old loading crane runway are made usable with local design elements. The direct access to the water is promoted by a passenger ship dock in the east and a boat slipway in the west. A seating area with steps stands out strikingly from the asphalt surface sloping down to the water in the direction of the slipway. On the level near the water there is a raft platform, owing to the atmosphere of the place in materiality. Highlights, such as bollards in the shape of tetrapods and dynamically shaped plant beds, underline the special nature of the location at the head of the harbour. Seamless surfaces, such as mastic asphalt with light-coloured cover granulate and in-situ concrete surfaces are characteristic for the entire layout of the new harbour area. Strips of concrete slabs with lettering refer with ship names to the inland vessels sailing on the Rhine-Herne Canal. In addition to the row of mooring bollards, gently curved concrete lounge furniture on the promenade also provides seating in the harbour area.