Open space planning for the Jeetzel riverbank, Amtsgarten park and old cemetery | Lüchow

Recognition

Along Lange Straße, the Amtsgarten, Alter Friedhof and Jeetzelufer form a continuous sequence of inner-city green spaces. A barrier-free path system connects the areas, uniform furnishings provide orientation, and the different landscape characters create diverse atmospheres. Historical, social and ecological qualities are linked, biodiversity is strengthened and new places for encounters and local recreation are created.
The listed Amtsgarten is carefully enhanced with additional paths, recreational and experiential floodplain areas and other elements.
New paths, a small square with a fountain, a sculpture garden and ecological peripheral zones complement the Old Cemetery as a peaceful place of remembrance.
On the banks of the Jeetzel, the river is being integrated more closely into city life with seating steps, wooden decks, barrier-free access and canoe moorings, while planting, flowering meadows and tree-free dyke areas ensure flood protection and ecological functions.

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Paris Excursion 2026

This year’s four-day office excursion took us to Paris – a city we see not merely as a backdrop, but as a living laboratory for urban space, climate resilience and social transformation. For us, Paris thus became a genuine learning environment where key issues in contemporary landscape architecture could be directly observed and discussed.

We deliberately chose the metropolis: as a point of tension between historical identity and the pressing question of how urban open spaces must function in the future. Amidst monumental axes, dense urban spaces and palpable climatic challenges, we were able to experience a variety of approaches to designing public spaces that are more resilient, people-friendly and versatile in their use. It is precisely at this intersection that our professional curiosity lies.

With 55 staff members from five locations, we used the excursion to think ahead about the city together – through intensive exchange, attentive observation and critical dialogue. Paris inspired us not only as a pioneer of modern planning approaches, but also as a source of inspiration for our own work.

Nomination for the 2026 Hesse Landscape Architecture Award

We are delighted to have been nominated for this year’s Hessian Landscape Architecture Award!
Two of our projects impressed the jury: the harbour area in Bad Karlshafen and the monastery grounds in Frankenberg!
In the first round of selection, a total of 18 projects were nominated from numerous submissions – which makes this recognition of our work all the more meaningful to us.
Both projects exemplify our commitment to sensitively developing historic sites and creating new qualities in public spaces.

Award | Tilia Award 2026

Category ‘Private Gardens’

What a special day: at the first Tilia Awards ceremony in Berlin, outstanding plant-based projects were honoured – and we are incredibly proud to have won the award in the ‘Private Gardens’ category.

The award recognises projects that demonstrate how plants actively contribute to the creation of sustainable living spaces and highlight innovative approaches in planning, research and practice.

Just in time for the start of spring, around 200 experts, creatives and innovators came together. The diversity of the projects – ranging from urban climate adaptation and community gardens to artistic concepts – highlighted just how relevant plant-based strategies are today.

We are all the more delighted that we were able to impress the jury. We are taking away many inspiring impressions, conversations and new ideas from Berlin and are proud to have been part of this special premiere!

Redesign of open spaces at the Mathildenhöhe Information Centre | Darmstadt

Recognition

The ‘Blaue Mathilde’ creates a new open space around the Mathildenhöhe information centre. Nestled as a solitary feature in the park, it creates a lush green space with shade, evaporative cooling and a variety of places to relax. A curved path connects the forecourt, east slope, studio garden and Fiedlerweg, intuitively guiding visitors through the grounds. Main paths open up the central areas, while side paths open up quiet retreats.
The design picks up on the artistic tradition of Mathildenhöhe: organically flowing forms connect paths, planting and furniture. Bright blue seating objects set specific accents. The forecourt serves as a multifunctional reception area, and the studio garden is made accessible for people with disabilities. Furnishings and open green spaces allow for rest, encounters and temporary uses. Water-permeable surfaces, reduced sealing and natural areas improve the microclimate; sightlines and listed structures are preserved.

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Building development Hamburg-Nord District Office | Hamburg-Eppendorf

3rd Prize | In collaboration with gmp Architekten

The Seitz Quarter is transforming the listed ensemble of the district office into a lively and sustainable neighborhood development. Carefully placed new buildings open up the site and create new connections to Marie-Jonas-Platz and the Magistrale. At the center is the newly designed open space: the previously inaccessible inner courtyard is being transformed into a green, publicly accessible neighborhood courtyard close to the apartments, offering quiet recreation areas, play and meeting spaces, and connected to the surrounding squares via a new passageway. Curved new plantings complement the valuable tree population and give the courtyard a landscaped character. An urban mix of commercial, office, and diverse residential forms enlivens the neighborhood, while a sustainable mobility concept with spacious bicycle garages, a mobility hub, and workshops promotes a low-car environment.

© gmp Architekten, GTL

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Westerwischstrom Quarter | Cuxhaven

3rd prize | In collaboration with Thomas Schüler Architects and Urban Planners

The new neighbourhood develops a clear urban identity from its special island location: a central green space forms the green heart around which all building plots are grouped. This green centre connects the neighbourhood with the surrounding landscape and, with its paths, creates a lively fabric of neighbourhoods and public spaces.

As a retention green space, it also fulfils an important ecological function. Designed to be close to nature, it absorbs rainwater, promotes evaporation and strengthens local biodiversity. Garden courtyards, play and recreation areas, and climate-resilient planting make it a place for people to meet and relax.

A car-free living environment, decentralised mobility options and sustainable rainwater management based on the sponge city principle combine urban quality of life with ecological responsibility – making the neighbourhood a forward-looking model for communal, green living.

© Thomas Schüler Architekten und Stadtplaner, GTL

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Wasserkuppe Arrival & Information Centre | Gersfeld (Rhön)

3rd prize | In collaboration with Sturm und Wartzeck

Basalt is the leitmotif of the design for the new information centre on the Wasserkuppe in Gersfeld. Like the multi-layered formations of the Rhön, the building responds to its surroundings with offset structures and differentiated edges. It connects the heterogeneous existing buildings with the open airfield and creates a central square in the northeast as the new centre of the area. To the south, the building opens up to the vastness of the landscape with terraces and viewing platforms.

The outdoor facilities also take up the basalt motif: staggered terraces follow the natural terrain and become spaces that can be experienced via steps and benches. Materials such as basalt, wood and golden accents create a harmonious unity of architecture and landscape. In the north, lush planting frames the event area, while in the south, an open green strip forms the transition to the gliding field.

© Sturm und Wartzeck, GTL

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