Havelspitze open spaces, Berlin

The landscape is fascinating. Peace and power. One marvels at the quality of the water in combination with the shore zones. And it is the subtle reaction that this quality provokes. Not the pompous one. Especially at the "top".



We try to succinctly capture the diverse relationships on the banks of the Havel: A small square at the western end of the busy south bridge axis with jetty for water cabs, jetties and jetty on the west bank, the wide jetty as a stage, viewing terrace, highlight of all north-south directions, the south-facing square with the stone SE corner and the high-quality natural bank on the east side.axes, spaces and directions of the urban landscape are further developed, they increase to their end and climax in the area of the Havelspitze with a view of the old town and citadel.



The north-south axes are taken up via the small square with access to the water and a landing stage for water cabs and reinforced by further south-facing linear structures; jetties, the 140 m long row of columned poplars, ribbon slabs and the arcade of the west façade. They find their destination in the jetty's viewing platform, which floats above the Havel. It serves as a sun terrace and concert stage. Large canvas panels can be used as temporary furnishings. You leave the shore and become part of this waterscape. To the south and south-east, the Havelspitze presents itself as a square (water-bound surface). The geometric south-east corner is bordered with steps. All stone edges can also be used as seating steps.



The center remains restrained, meadow area, some tree groves of birch poplars. The transition to the courtyard is made by precise, sloping waves of grass. They guarantee magnificent views, while at the same time reducing disturbances and views. Pruned hornbeam hedges create niches. Open and hidden ones. The residential courtyard has the character of a cherry grove.



The east side remains quieter, as unchanged as possible, very close to nature. Water-bound cover or gravel surfaces with path bands. The pontoon provides a view of the pond mums. Playing is possible everywhere. Core area and play equipment lean against a few groves of trees. Play equipment as simple shapes. Art in the space is conceivable in connection with the shape of the pontoon or in the form of stone seating objects.



Materials are restrained. Water-bound surfaces with granite slab pathways. All edging and edges made of light, slightly ochre-colored natural stone. The concept dispenses with new forms. The Havelspitze is presented as an ensemble of powerful characters with elements typical of the area.

AppreciationGerman Landscape Architecture Award 2001

Jury verdict: It is a successful work of craftsmanship, which is particularly impressive due to its excellent presentation. The careful handling of the existing building shows how sensitively the authors respond to the local qualities with their design. The preservation of the tree population leads, for example, in the area of the staircases to exciting solutions.

The transition from public to semi-public space is convincingly solved.