Editor's Choice

WALA Open-Air Facilities

designed by Glück Landschaftsarchitektur /

Location / Germany — Type / Corporate/Company Garden — Parks — Wetland — Built / 2017 — Show on Google Maps / Published on December 11, 2019

Glück Landschaftsarchitektur: The three fundamental concepts of the landscape park are clearly recognizable in the first construction phase, with the new technical center, garden, plaza and aquatic landscape. A large centrally located plaza with a direct connection to the new technical center provides a transition between the garden and the aquatic landscape, which leads into the main entrance to the new company branch. Seemingly scattered planted islands extend into the large plaza continuing the amorphous forms from the garden creating an intelligible whole. Meeting points and destinations for communication are integrated into the design of the planted islands as cantilevered benches. A curved circular path made of stabilized sand opens up the garden and is formally continued along the aquatic landscape as a gravel track embedded in the plaza.

The planting concept strengthens and enlivens the three main elements, garden, plaza and aquatic landscape with a selection of plants appropriate to the location and reinforces the design of the individual areas. With every season, the company location is enriched by atmospheric flowering aspects and trees that rise above the garden and plaza in a casual arrangement to offer lightly shaded spaces. The distinctive and unmistakable element of the site is the aquatic landscape. Two lakes have been built in the first construction phase, which are tiered according to the natural slope, from south to north. This transition between the two lakes is staged with an overflow edge and a constant stream of water. The outside terrace of the technical center cafeteria borders the southern lake, where the staff can experience the element of water from close proximity via steps. Spacious seating steps on the east side of the northern lake are ideal places for social interaction and relaxation. A habitat-appropriate planting of perennials and grasses integrates the aquatic landscape into the nature-oriented character of the outdoor facilities and forms the transition into the landscape.

The open concept of the company’s premises is freely accessible for visitors and residents and strengthens the acceptance of the company’s location and enriches the town of Bad Boll with a new contemporary building block for nature conservation, biodiversity and landscape appreciation.