The reimagining of the Wiehlaue has given Wiehl's city center a new urban and public realm structure. This bold transformation energizes the Oberbergisch community through thoughtfully varied spatial compositions. In 2017, studio grüngrau Landschaftsarchitektur in Düsseldorf and Molestina Architekten won the design competition, crafting a cohesive vision that preserves existing elements while weaving them into an inviting landscape at the city's heart.

The Wiehl River and its floodplain form the spine of a new east-west landscape corridor with three distinctly characterized zones. The centerpiece of Wiehlpark is a substantial water feature that previously lay dormant beneath a bridge. A new water axis now connects it directly to the river for the first time, while a fruit tree promenade emphasizes this connection and links it to the city center via landscaped stairs. Between the revitalized lake, the water axis, and the river sits a expansive water play area and children's zone. The park's central lawn serves multiple functions—from recreational gatherings to hot-air balloon launches. A relocated mini-golf course anchors a dynamic leisure landscape that includes a "Wheelpark" for skating, beach volleyball, multipurpose courts, and climbing features, some creatively tucked beneath existing bridges. A compelling network of pedestrian and cycling routes traverses the entire area east to west, integrating a lakeside café with waterfront steps, a spacious covered grill pavilion, and more. Over the coming years, a new lakeside quarter will emerge around Wiehlpark, featuring intimate residential clusters, multifamily housing, and exclusive waterfront homes. Complementing this vision, the spa gardens to the east introduce new pathways, layered plantings, and a central plaza—a contemplative refuge for all ages. A water fountain play zone becomes a vibrant community hub. Riverside seating terraces offer peaceful moments overlooking the neighboring church. Along the spa gardens' perimeter, national gardens honoring Wiehl's sister cities create distinctive horticultural spaces. A fitness trail with exercise stations rounds out the offering, particularly for older visitors. Throughout, the Wiehlaue is now seamlessly woven into the urban fabric via new paths and bridges, with a new staircase linking Bahnhofsstraße and the town hall. The river channel itself has been generously proportioned, with native plantings reinforcing the banks. Widened and gentled embankments create valuable flood retention capacity while improving ecological resilience.

www.studiogruengrau.de

Photography Credits:

Manuel Kubitza
www.manuelkubitza.de

(Published in CUBE Cologne Bonn 04|23)