The Offenbach riverbank serves as a prime example of a misinterpreted use of urban river basins. Currently, the busy Mainstraße runs directly parallel to the river Main. In addition, there is a 2.4 ha concreted parking lot on the Main foreland. These circumstances not only prevent free access to the water, but also destroy the quality and potential of the nature and recreation area and thus an important part of the entire city image.
By closing the Mainstraße and transforming the car park into a public park, the concept aims to regain the urban open space in the sense of a social, political and ecological context. The reduction of car traffic within our cities serves here as a statement for a future-oriented, intelligent city with a view to the actual needs of people and nature. A floating pontoon jetty accessible via bridges forms the focus of the design. It extends along the banks of the Main River and – like the entire green area – is only accessible to pedestrians. For this reason, the cycle path will be diverted at the beginning of the park. Under the pontoon, additional electricity and water pipes can be installed, thus providing a further opportunity to expand the infrastructure of the river basin.
Prof. Frank Zebner
Students
Christina Timmann