Badisches Staatstheater is in the middle of renovation work. The completion of the mega project is expected to take twelve years. But until recently, it was not clear what the area around the building, which has an area of u200bu200b19,300 square meters, Hermann Levi Platz, would look like in the future. Now the winners of the redesign of Theatreplatz, the landscape architecture firm “bbz” from Berlin, have been announced. Specifications: The square should be as climatically neutral as possible and a place for “communication and dialogue”, in keeping with the theatre’s historical construction. But how “green” should the square be now?
One of the children’s problems in the city is the “Badisches Staatstheater” construction project in the form of a fan. The project cost is expected to be around 580 million euros. However, it should not exceed a budget of 9.6 million euros to redesign the front yard – one of the main criteria for the competition.
Timo Hermann of bbz explains the Hermann-Levi-Platz design. The competition works for the 17 participants can be viewed from November 11 to 24, one hour before the show begins in the theater foyer at Badisches Staatstheater. | Photo: Verena Muller-Witt
The jury consisted of representatives of the Board of Directors of Badisches Staatstheater Karlsruhe, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Science, Research and the Arts, the City of Karlsruhe, Badisches Staatstheater, Landesbetrieb Vermögen und Bau Baden-Württemberg, and Independent Work. Architects. On October 28, they chose a winner from among 17 applicants.
Trees are preserved and new trees are added
The contract was awarded for the design by landscape architects Timo Hermann and Christian Bauer of bbz Landscape architects berlin gmbh. The area of 9,300 square meters in its design refers to the polygonal design language of the theater building. The space is defined by different “tree islands” with “multifunctional edges” that invite you to “play, balance, survive and skate”. Newly laid walkways and a well, which will be fed with rainwater, complete the design.
Hermann-Levi-Platz State Theater Project in Karlsruhe | Photo: bbz berlin gmbh landscape architects, berlin
Anke Karmann-Wössner, Mayor of Karlsruhe explains, “What we were looking for was, on the one hand, a convenient and contemporary solution, on the one hand, allowing room for further developments, but also recognizing this prestigious location.” Planning office. “Dialogue, communication and climate adaptation. These are the most important keywords.”
Hermann-Levi-Platz State Theater Project in Karlsruhe | Photo: bbz berlin gmbh landscape architects, berlin
Since there has been a lot of criticism about trees that were cut down in the field in the past, the offices involved should also try to preserve the remaining trees. The winning design not only secures the number of trees, but the tree islands must also add a few more trees.
The edge of Kriegsstrasse and Ettlinger Strasse should also be emphasized by a row of trees. About 30 per cent of underground car parks will also be greened. In total, about 15 additional trees will be planted.
Hermann-Levi-Platz State Theater Project in Karlsruhe | Photo: bbz berlin gmbh landscape architects, berlin
It is also planned that the large plaza will be equipped with catering facilities and an LED screen. For example, public viewing could take place here in the future. In light of these aspects, the square should become an “attractive transition between the city and the southern part of the city and a public stage”. It’s like a “living room with a green balcony.”
Construction will only start in about ten years
However, it will take up to ten or twelve years before Hermann-Levi-Platz gets its new look. Reason: For reasons of space, the three building blocks into which the Badisches Staatstheater renovation is divided must be completed. So why was the winner chosen now?
The Herrmann-Levi-Platz in front of the Baden State Theater. | Photo: Verena Muller-Witt
“Such operations require a lot of preparation. Planning should start at the right time,” explains landscape architect Timo Hermann in an interview with ka-news.de. For example, consultations with engineers will already be carried out to ensure optimal use of (rain) water. According to the State Theatre, a pilot well drilling should also be at the top of its “to-do list”.
The landscape architect concluded, “The issue of irrigation and drainage is a top priority for us. For example, the islands of trees must also be able to provide themselves with water. That is why it is important to act very proactively.”
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