Schweinfurt

The creation of a green belt as an impulse for urban regeneration in Schweinfurt (Germany)

Name	Green belt Schweinfurt
Place	Schweinfurt
Country	Germany
Topic	Urban regeneration
Author(s)	Markus Peter
Completion	2009 (1. Section - "Upper Gate" to river Main)
Client	City of Schweinfurt
Project costs	9,0 Mio € (1. Section of the green belt)


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Rationale: Why is this case study interesting?

The case study shows the ability of the revitalisation of a city as a co-operation of old town renewal and the creation of a green belt

Old towns are very typical for european cities. Nowadays they lack in a population movement from within towns and cities to the rural-urban fringe. This project shows how old towns can be strenghtened

Author's perspective

The influence of landscape architecture into the revitalisation of old towns, their abilities and limitations.

Landscape and/or urban context

Biogeography, cultural features, overall character, history and dynamics

Schweinfurt lies into the so called “Basin of Schweinfurt”, with a comparatively hot and dry climate (viniculture). This is increased due to the special urban climate which leads to a raising of the normal temperature up to 3-4 degree centigrade

Illustration: Map; sketches; short descriptive analyses

Cultural/social/political context

Brief explanation of culture, political economy, legal framework

Schweinfurt is a town with about 55.000 inhabitants, located at the river Main and is a city of the industry and art It has a historical old part of town Schweinfurt has a very huge impact on metal industry, especially ball bearings industry. The colour Schweinfurt green which was very popular in the 19t.th century was also invented and produced there. Unfortunately this pigment contains very huge cocentrations of heavy metal, especially arsenic. Various depots of this substance can be found throughout the city and their parks.

Illustration: Bullet points, image, background notes

History

How did the area/project/plan at the focus of the case study evolve?

Schweinfurt was a formerly free realm city The first reconstruction of the city appeared after the second city spoiling in the Markgräfler war in 1554 In the 16. Century the defensive wall in the east was built. In the 30years war (1618-1648) the town was developed by the Swedish (General Wrangel) The city was particularly military because of Kiliansberg, a fortress on the eastern side In the beginning of 19. Century the ramparts were sold, the ditches were filled up and the erosion of towers and gates began.

Illustration: Table or time line

Spatial analysis of area/project/plan

What are the main structural features?

There are two main features: The fortification and the city

The whole area is chronological and spatial divided:

Section I from Upper Gate to the River Main from 1997-2009

Section II from Fichtel`s Garden to Rückert-Street 2008-2020

Section III from Old Cemetery to Gutermann-Promenade

How has it been shaped? Were there any critical decisions?