丨德国明斯特丨Team Inside Outside（Jana Crepon等）

Grüner (I)Konus

Location

: Münster, Germany

Client

: Municipality of Münster

Scope of work

: Landscape design for a nature-inclusive residential tower

Collaboration

: UTB, Nice Developers, Mei Architects, BDA, Engie Deutschland, Pirmin Jung

Date

: 2023 - ongoing

Status

: Competition, first prize

Size

: 2,350 m2

The Gasometer rises out of a dense mixed urban forest, partly planted and partly spontaneous. The landscape design focuses on a few precise and efficient elements that enhance the site's existing natural qualities, and enrich the experience of residents, visitors and neighbours of the Gasometer through new usage of the building and landscape.

The skywalk

Rising from the treetops, the spiraling pedestrian walkway invites visitors to the Gasometer's upper-floor public functions, and creates an dynamic interaction between the building and its surroundings. The skywalk provides the unique experience of traveling through and above the trees while activating the elevated outdoor plinth of the Gasometer into an accessible public space.

The forest park

The site, already abundant with diverse tree species and atmospheric forested areas, prioritizes the preservation and careful development of its existing tree stock. The aim is to establish a mixed forest with diverse natural conditions, ranging from sunny and dry to moist and shady. The western area features large willow trees, while a mix of beech, hornbeam, sycamore maple, ash, wild cherry, white elm, lime trees, and hazelnut shrubs can be found in the northern section. Along the B51 highway, a densely overgrown hill with shrubs and oaks serves as an effective noise and privacy buffer. Moving eastward toward Honebach, the terrain is wetter with spontaneously formed tree cover. Trees such as willows and hazelnut shrubs will be transplanted as necessary, and overly dense stands thinned to give individual trees the space to flourish. The wood from removed trees will be repurposed for play and seating elements, as well as for soft walking paths of bark and woodchips.

The new usage concept subtly integrates various activities into the forest environment: a sunlit water playground in the south, a Jeux des Boulles track in the adjacent area, a shaded playground with willow huts, walking paths, and seating throughout.

The built landscape

The striking effect of the characteristic Gasometer building is further amplified upon entering the hanging gardens of the interior from ground level, or via the skywalk. The roof terrace offers an extraordinary panoramic view over Münster, and has both public and semi-public areas where residents can relax in the sunshine, cultivate a communal kitchen garden, or entertain visitors. Across all gardens, native biodiversity is enhanced by integrating insect hotels with suitable host plants, and creating breeding holes for birds and bats. The interior of the Gasometer is reminiscent of a cenote, natural circular karst caves in Asia and Mexico, which are planted with hanging plants and filled with the clearest water. The rainwater runs down over planted terraces - hanging gardens - and is collected in a circular pond, lush with aquatic plants. Both the floor plant troughs and the pond serve as reservoirs, storing rainwater for additional irrigation and cooling purposes during the heat of summer.

A public outdoor space at a height of 12 meters above ground level creates a spacious passage and entrance in the southeast and at the same time improves natural ventilation. Like an African wind tower, it lets in a cool breeze in summer and pushes the hot air upwards.

The project was awarded the first prize of the competition in September 2023 and is in further development.

Team Inside Outside

: Jana Crepon, Nafsika Efklidou, Manuel Milone, Jessica Minn, Radka Komrsová