VOLKSPARK KOPERNIKUS
The community park in Rudolstadt-Schwarza is an architectural and landscape design project that originates from the collaboration of citizens, the housing association RUWO, the neighborhood management, the architect, students and is characterized by a productive multidisciplinary approach. The Volkspark Kopernikus is a means of promoting cultural activities involving multiple actors. It is continuously managed as a collaboration across disciplines, bridging the gap between generations.
The project was honoured in 2019 with the Thuringian "Living Values" award, in 2023 with the nationwide Lotte Lemke Award for Civic Engagement. In 2023 was nominated for the German Engagement Award.
The community park in Rudolstadt-Schwarza is an architectural and landscape design project that originates from the collaboration of citizens, the housing association RUWO, the neighborhood management, the architect, students and is characterized by a productive multidisciplinary approach. The Volkspark Kopernikus is a means of promoting cultural activities involving multiple actors. It is continuously managed as a collaboration across disciplines, bridging the gap between generations.
The project was honoured in 2019 with the Thuringian "Living Values" award, in 2023 with the nationwide Lotte Lemke Award for Civic Engagement. In 2023 was nominated for the German Engagement Award.
The residential area in Rudolstadt-Schwarza was built in the 1970s for the employees of a big chemical factory and their families (approx. 30,000 people). The estate consisted of large prefabricated buildings. After the German reunification and the subsequent closure of the factory, there was a gradual emigration of residents and a seemingly unstoppable emptying of the neighbourhood.
In 2017, the residents' group "Zusammenwachen", led by Ralf Appelfeller, provided the initial impetus for the realization of a community park on the site vacated by the demolition of empty buildings.
The participation process involved the Bauhaus-University Weimar, Chair of Urban Planning, Prof. Steffen De Rudder, Lucio Nardi and the students Katharina Frank, Paul Gachihi, Melina Igemonas, Laura Pfarr, Florian Tobschall.
Reduction and appropriation - Lucio Nardi, concept for adapting the masterplan to a small budget.
The gate.
Participation in the realization and maintenance.
All items and material available on site was recycled and integrated in the construction.
The playful work of the artist Marlen Hoh: Treffpunkt Landkarte - Treffpunkt Spiel
Urban gardening and events.
For everyone.