Jungfernstieg

Hamburg, Germany

Photo © WES LandscapeArchitecture

Photo © Joern Hustedt

Photo © Klostermann

Photo © Joern Hustedt

Drawing © Peter Wels

Landscape Architects: WES LandscapeArchitecture

Location: Hamburg, Germany
Year: 2006
Client: Freie und Hansestadt Hamburg; Förderverein „Lebendiger Jungfernstieg e.V.“ - Hamburg
Project period: 2002-2006
Size: 37.500 m²
Competition: 2002, 1st prize
Realisation: WES & Partner
Partner: André Poitiers Architekt, Hamburg

The jury of the international competition held by the city of Hamburg commented on our draft as follows: “The proposal is clear and simple, yet also sophisticated: the Alster jetty will be replaced by a spacious stairway, which takes up the whole width of the Jungfernstieg, extends down as far as the water and provides a wide range of movable seating possibilities. In contrast to the flat flight of steps, the Jungfernstieg will once again be given a clearly outlined, triaxial avenue of linden trees on the side by the lake, hence continuing the promenade around the Binnenalster (Inner Alster Lake), yet due to the box-like shape of the trees and the gap that has been left, also discretely highlighting it, allowing for a permanent partial view of the facades behind. With these few, yet significant interventions, it is possible, using unpretentious means, to give the Jungfernstieg a clear structure, dividing it into a boulevard on the building side, a large promenade on the lake side and a recreational and seating area towards the jetty. (WES) has succeeded in not only creating a continuation of the historic structuring of the Jungfernstieg, but also a new image of natural and unobtrusive beauty.”