Revamped Designs for Fresh Outdoor Spaces
The Hofgarten in Düsseldorf is currently undergoing the second phase of a comprehensive reconstruction, with the third and final phase set to begin in 2020/2021. This ambitious project, which focuses on themes such as vegetation, lighting, and pathway renovation, is guided by the Park Care Work, a three-folder thick document detailing historical and current data.
Alexander Richter, the person responsible for renovating the pathways in the Hofgarten, has introduced a "pathway hierarchy" to accommodate various uses such as sports, biking, and scootering. Most paths in the Hofgarten will retain their classic, water-bound surfaces after renovation, while the Reitallee pathway will be renovated with a low-maintenance surface of light natural stone chippings.
The reconstruction of the Hofgarten is not purely historical. It must balance preservation with the requirements of today. To this end, the tree population in the Hofgarten will be adapted with a view to climate change, with trees that are better able to cope with expected heat and drought periods being planted. Rainwater in the Hofgarten will no longer be directed into the sewer system, but into the vegetation after renovation.
The city, as the owner of the monument, is obligated to restore the Hofgarden. To help the public understand the process and the vision for the future, a series of brochures is being produced, with the first in the series focusing on the Hofgarten. The brochure, available for 5 Euro or free download, provides details about the 250-year history of the park and its future vision.
The second phase of the Hofgarten reconstruction is expected to be completed by the end of the year. Work on the Reitallee is expected to be completed by mid-September, depending on the weather. The city's green spaces, including the Hofgarten, are the subject of a planned series of brochures, with the next publication focusing on Rheinpark. A condensed version of the Park Care Work, titled "Park Care Work Hofgarten", has been published, and the next publication in the series, "Park Care Work Rheinpark", is already in progress.
The Hofgarten reconstruction is a testament to the city's commitment to preserving its historical green spaces while making them accessible and sustainable for the modern era. As the project progresses, visitors to Düsseldorf can look forward to a revitalized Hofgarten that honours its rich history while meeting the needs of today.
