Back in 2017, the city adopted an integrated strategy for revitalizing central Mönchengladbach—the "Abteiberg Framework Plan"—aimed at fostering urban vitality while rethinking mobility, architecture, lighting, and green space. The Geropark emerged as a flagship project from this vision. Hamburg-based landscape architects WES LandschaftsArchitektur have breathed new life into the existing park by introducing a striking new entrance plaza, seamlessly connecting the renovated grounds.

The redesign centers the park experience around an enlarged Geroweiher pond. Thoughtfully designed shorelines, water features, and tiered seating that wraps around the expanded water surface—now 1,200 m² larger—invite visitors to linger steps away from the water's edge. Equally important was reimagining Geroplatz, the former parking lot that now anchors the new entrance. By removing asphalt, expanding the water feature, and weaving Geroplatz into the landscape, the architects created a gateway befitting the site's character. Illuminated benches and perennial plantings behind them trace the historic path of the old city walls, while diverse recreational facilities for all ages activate the northwestern area. New pathways respect the landscape's existing character while reconnecting broader green and mobility networks. Perhaps most meaningfully, the Abbey—one of the city's most treasured landmarks—now has a setting worthy of its significance.

www.wes-la.de

Photos:
Guido Erbring
www.guidoerbring.com

(Published in CUBE Düsseldorf 04|25)