Max Planck Institute for Brain Research, Frankfurt/Main Open spaces for science at the Riedberg campus

The open spaces of the Max Planck Institute for Brain Research in the research location Frankfurt-Riedberg are defined by the H-shaped building designed by Henn Architekten. Three areas can be distinguished: The forecourt in the south with delivery area for the cafeteria, the Green Campus in the north, and the parking lot with delivery area in the north-east.

The forecourt is designed as a stone plaza divided into two levels, which is paved with concrete block. The lower level is used for car access and delivery for the cafeteria. The parking spaces for the disabled are also located here. A group of 9 solitary trees and strips of grass plantings accentuate the western plaza. The majority of the bicycle parking spaces are located here. A generous set of stairs and a handicap accessible ramp lead to the main entrance of the Institute.

The parking area provides parking for visitors and staff and serves as a delivery area. The parking areas are structured with planting areas and tree locations. Access to the garden is via a small staircase.

The Green Campus is the main open space of the Institute. Based on an urban design by Henn Architects, it was planned as a garden space that can be continued across the adjacent campus road into the northern part of the university building field.

The design corresponds with the orthogonal structure of the building. A hard surface walkway, surfaced with the same cast stone as the forecourt, frames the Green Campus. Near the institute's entrance to the garden, the path widens to a terrace that accommodates cafeteria tables. From the terrace, a curved path of cast-in-place concrete leads through the garden to the parking lot or to the northern garden entrance, where additional bicycle parking is located.

Strips of taller and lower grass and evergreen plantings, as well as cast-in-place stone, accompany the framing and traversing paths and divide the garden into distinct areas that can be used as recreational and picnic areas. This creates varied views and vistas throughout the campus. Additional garden situations with thematically planted perennial beds are planned to the east of the path.

Ornamental cherries (Prunus subhirtella "Accolade") were chosen as the lead tree species of the forecourt and the garden in reference to the former agricultural and horticultural use of the Riedberg. Blood plums (Prunus cerasifera "Nigra") form the sparse grove facing Campus Street. Tapered Norway maples (Acer platanoides "Cleveland") were planted in the parking lots. The frame planting between the sidewalk and the Institute consists of a grass planting with solitaires of dwarf prune (Prunus cistena). The institute is located as an expressive structural setting in the green campus.