Osnabrück – mobile urban gardens

Introduction

The city of Osnabrück is responding to the noticeable consequences of climate change – such as increasing numbers of hot days, less frost, and more extreme weather – with targeted climate adaptation measures. One of these is the “Mobile Urban Gardens” program, which provides flexible seating and planters in parking areas. These temporary parklets create short-term recreational areas and promote urban greenery and shade. After around six months, the areas are to be permanently unsealed, greened, and landscaped. This improves the local climate, enhances biodiversity, and reduces the risk of flooding caused by heavy rainfall. The concept is to be implemented at more locations in the city center by 2025.

Design

The design of the “Mobile Urban Gardens” is characterized by a clear, timeless design that blends harmoniously into the cityscape of Osnabrück. The focus is on the modularity and mobile use of the elements, which allows flexible adaptation to different locations and requirements. Special emphasis was also placed on barrier-free access so that everyone – regardless of age or mobility – can easily use the new recreational areas. The materials underline the project’s commitment to sustainability: Powder-coated metal ensures durability and weather resistance, while local wood used for the seat support creates a natural, warm look and takes regional resources into account.

Module overview

The “Mobile Urban Gardens” module catalogue offers a versatile, flexible modular system that can be individually adapted to different urban conditions. The modular system includes a variety of seating options and plantable elements that can be combined and arranged as needed. This creates customized places to stay and vibrant meeting places in public spaces that respond to the specific requirements and character of each location. This diversity not only enhances the cityscape, but also strengthens neighborly relations.

Technical structure

The stable basic structure consists of high-quality stainless steel profiles and ensures maximum durability and weather resistance. The cladding can be made of either powder-coated stainless steel or local wood. With a consistent height of 1.20 meters above the street, the system offers clear lines, reliable privacy, and the required safety. All modules are designed so that they can be moved under with a trolley and transported easily.

Implementation

Since spring 2023, the Mobile Urban Gardens have been successfully implemented at several locations in Osnabrück. The flexible modules have been very well accepted by residents and businesses and have established themselves as popular meeting and recreational areas in the city. The urban gardens are initially used on existing parking areas for a fixed period of time. During this time, experience can be gained and feedback taken into account. If the response is positive, the areas are permanently unsealed and greened, while the modules are moved to new locations in the city. This creates a dynamic process of urban climate adaptation and enhancement of public spaces.

Data

Client:Stadt Osnabrück
Period:Design development 2022
Implementation 2022
Collaboration:Schräder Metallverarbeitung GmbH
Awards: Tender, 1st place