In 1926, the Sportanlage Liguster was built as a beautiful park with a small changing room building in the west. Its subtle topography, slightly lowered from the street level, made it an oasis of green in the neighbourhood. In 1984, it was harshly modified: concrete retaining walls were added, high hedges blocked the view, over 50% of the surfaces were sealed and trees were cut down. We were tasked with a simple maintenance of the site, with the city not seeing a huge potential in questioning its current state. For us it was clear that it was possible to better the situation: keep and improve the sports functions, yet still find more space for vegetation, unseal surfaces and try to reclaim some of the original qualities of the site. After one year working on the Vorprojekt whilst negotiating with the city to rethink the status quo, we managed to unseal 1000m2. 

The athletic functions were improved, the grass playing field was extended and the edges of the site gave way to vegetation. The existing hedges around the site were replaced by wild flower fields which have a higher value for biodiversity. By removing the concrete retaining walls, a soft slope appears, revealing the original topography. The ring of trees around the site are completed, providing shade for the spectators. A few added elements: the heavy concrete garage is replaced by a light material storage, simple handrails follow the movement of people. The building received simple maintenance: bringing back its four eyes, mirroring the activities happening on the site, and colours linking it to its beautiful neighbour, Schulhaus Liguster.

Team: Emily Bardenz, Axel Chevroulet, Nadia Doriot, Anna MacIver-Ek, Julia Strömland