From hotspot to coolspot
Karin Standler Landscape Architecture: The aim of the redesign of the forecourt of the Nordico Stadtmuseum is to take account of the urban planning dimension and to counteract the overheating of Dametzstrasse.
The greening measures are intended to prevent urban heat islands and make this cultural hotspot a more pleasant place to spend time in the summer. The forecourt will be given a new atmosphere thanks to the planting concept. The utilization concept ensures that there is enough space for events and the restaurant garden.
A row of Gleditsia Sunburst trees runs along Dametzstrasse and enhances the open street space from an urban planning perspective. 14 umbrella plane trees cool the square and provide shade for the seating sculpture and the seating in the guest garden. The umbrella plane trees are particularly suitable for city squares as they are largely
resistant to environmental influences and clean the air very well. Other planted trees, including amber trees and magnolias, create special effects in spring and autumn with their blossoms and foliage coloring and decorate the forecourt together with the existing bluebell tree. This bluebell tree is a landmark and one of the most beautiful trees in the city of Linz. A hornbeam hedge surrounds the square and provides shelter under the bluebell tree for lingering in the hammock.
The enormous sealing of the forecourt was broken up by heat- and drought-tolerant plants. Planting islands were placed where the flow of foot traffic and use of the forecourt allowed. The plant beds were mulched with gravel to reduce evaporation and weed pressure. Grasses, perennials and small shrubs in a variety of color combinations in the planting islands make the seasons tangible, exude fragrances and attract insects to the otherwise barren surroundings.
Landscape Architecture: Karin Standler Landscape Architecture
Year completed: 2022
