The six entries were evaluated and reviewed in terms of feasibility by Professor Alexander von Birgelen and Stephanie Braun from Hochschule Geisenheim University, as well as Bernd Waldvogel, who is active in the Association of German Landscape Architects.
Philip Bäcker and Lynn Schweig managed to secure a recognition award for their innovative design idea, which showcased viticulture and shipping as characteristic features of the local region. Simon Gabriel and Ben Quirmbach also received a recognition award for their work, as did the duo Paul Paussauer and Philipp Heiser. The work of both pairs demonstrated a thoroughly thought-out approach to the planting of the central island and the surrounding green spaces. The students received €200 prize money for each of their designs.
Jana Vogt took second place after impressing the jury with her design, named ‘Space and Structure - Rüdesheim as an Interwoven World’. Her concept was praised especially for its aesthetics and the way in which it features climate-adapted planting, both on the roundabout's central island and in the adjacent green spaces. An arch spanning the roundabout is intended to symbolize the connection between Rüdesheim am Rhein and the world. Local features and materials such as vines and natural stone walls complement the overall design and create a space that encapsulates the spirit of the region. Vogt received €750 prize money for her design.
Winner Plays with Perspective
First place was awarded to Jonathan Grünhagen and Maria Gracjasz for their design titled ‘The Rustling Leaf’. On February 26, the two prizewinners had the opportunity to present their idea to the commission for the Bundesgartenschau2029, Germany's biennial federal horticultural show, and were praised for their harmonious and innovative design. The standout feature of their concept is an art installation that visually changes form depending on the angle from which it is viewed. Based on the viewers perspective, the installation can look either like a vine leaf or a wave, a concept that pays tribute to the town's winegrowing tradition, as well as its proximity to the river Rhine. The two landscape architecture students proposed a mixture of grasses, perennials and geophytes for the planting, which blend seamlessly into one another and are highly heat tolerant. When selecting the specific plants, the duo placed great value on keeping maintenance and watering requirements at a minimum while still ensuring a harmonious overall image with the art installation.
Following the presentation, Mayor Klaus Zapp and Roger Baumeister, Hochschule Geisenheim University's representative for the cooperation with Rüdesheim for the Bundesgartenschau2029, congratulated Jonathan Grünhagen and Maria Gracjasz on their €1,200 prize money.
Cooperation for the Bundesgartenschau 2029
Rüdesheim am Rhein and Hochschule Geisenheim University have been working together for several years to develop solutions and ideas for the Bundesgartenschau, which will take place in the Upper Middle Rhine Valley in 2029. Rüdesheim will play a particularly important role, serving as the gateway to the World Heritage Site. The promenade and park that run alongside the Rhine in Rüdesheim and the green spaces in the Assmannshausen neighborhood have been selected as the main hosting areas for the Bundesgartenschau in Rüdesheim. Plans for these spaces have been underway since last year.
