Location : Spinelli Park, Mannheim, Germany
[Description]
Site Analysis
The designated site boundary within Spinelli Park, situated along the Green Corridor, has a storied history. Post-World War II, it served as a bastion of greenery until the 1990s. With the reunification of East and West Germany, the US military utilized the area for military installations. In 2011, following the withdrawal of US troops, efforts began to restore the lost greenspace. Amidst a dense urban population, this site serves as a vital public green and recreational space, helping to regulate the micro-climate of the surrounding cities. The proposed project area, located at the heart of what is now known as “Climate Park,” is intended to be a new recreational haven for Mannheim, offering a significant area that is climatologically important for the city’s climate. The park is also envisioned as a sanctuary for biodiversity and a space for people to engage in relaxation and recreation. The city, along with its citizens, is committed to fostering creative, sustainable urban living by hosting garden shows and numerous green urban experiments.
Co-prosperity
Throughout history, trees have formed a symbiotic relationship with humans. Majestic trees with their broad canopies have provided humans with shelter from harsh weather and a refuge from predators. Our arboreal affinity allowed us to climb and seek refuge or to hunt among the branches. In modern times, the role of trees is directly linked to human survival. With the proliferation of industrial civilization, pollution and carbon dioxide emissions have surged, while the global tree population has dwindled alarmingly. In densely built-up cities, the presence of trees is increasingly scarce. Today, the dappled shade of a green canopy is a sought-after respite, providing emotional solace.
Protection with Design Strategy
The design aims to protect endangered tree species while maintaining their exposure to nature and human interaction. A transparent glass wall encircles the endangered species tree, allowing for human maintenance and protection while still integrating with the natural surroundings. The design of the protective wall is inspired by tree roots and trunks, and wherever possible, wood materials are used to enhance eco-friendliness.
Ginkgo as an Endangered Species
The Ginkgo biloba, classified as an endangered species in Europe, is one of the most ancient living tree species. It is a ‘living fossil,’ predating the dinosaurs, yet it vanished from Europe 2.5 million years ago and from North America 7 million years ago. The ginkgo tree managed to survive only in parts of Asia and has been reintroduced to Europe. Its unique reproductive process, involving bitter and malodorous flesh around its seeds, has meant that humans play a crucial role in its propagation. The ginkgo tree, celebrated for its brilliant yellow foliage, has inspired artists and writers alike, including Goethe, who saw in the ginkgo leaf’s bifurcation a symbol of harmonious unity.
Healing Space
Ancient and modern peoples alike have found spiritual and physical comfort in the presence of trees. The proposed design includes a ‘healing floor space’ connected to the protective wall, where visitors can meditate and reflect in the presence of the revered ginkgo tree.
Solar Energy Storage
The protective wall and the associated healing floor space are designed to store solar energy using advanced solar PV glass technology. The system is expected to generate approximately 1349.04 MWh of electrical energy annually.
PV Glass Panel Color Scheme
The PV glass panel layout is designed to merge seamlessly with the surrounding environment. The elevation emphasizes transparency to maintain a visual connection with the enclosed ginkgo tree, while the floor panels transition from light to dark green to blend with the natural setting.
Technical Details
A wooden frame and columns support the glass façade, aligning with the eco-friendly design strategy and providing a natural aesthetic. The ‘A’-shaped columns minimize visual obstruction, while stainless steel tension cables enhance structural stability. The façade’s cone shape ensures that natural wind flow remains unimpeded. Maintenance access is cleverly integrated into the design, with wooden doors and underground access hatches. Curved glass panels add structural integrity, and all electrical cabling is discreetly routed to maintain visual appeal.
Environmental Impact Summary
The project’s environmental impact is categorized into cultural, biological, and climatic effects. Culturally, it underscores the historical symbiosis between humans and trees, highlighting their role as shelters, sources of artistic inspiration, and stabilizers of mental health. Biologically, it focuses on the protection and proliferation of the ginkgo tree across Europe. Climatically, the integration of solar energy storage presents an aesthetically pleasing design that, if replicated, could significantly reduce fossil fuel dependency and carbon emissions.
LAGI 2022 Mannheim – Land Art Generator Competition
Result : Finalist
Design by KIM MIN JAE