Planting Design 2013 Working Group 14 - Case Study C

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Reichenau Island

Name	Reichnau Island
Location	Baden-Württemberg
Country	Germany
Authors	Stephan


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Rationale: Why is this case interesting?

Please give a short introduction to the site you have selected (not more than 150 words)

Why did you select it?

I chose Reichnau Island, located in the middle of the lake of Constance, Baden-Württemberg. This case shows the relationship between human activity, like buildings or agriculture and the natural habitat around. This conflict of space betweeen buildings, agriculture and the habitat of plants and animals is very interessting and unique in the southern part of Germany.

Is it exemplary for a specific theme or a problem?

This case is specific in different ways. One theme is the size: There is no other space around to avoid (only water). So there is a natural expansion pressure on this small island. On the other side, the island has been used since 724 aD for agriculture productions. This (over)shaped this part of landscape in a very harsh way, though it makes the island to a good example for an extraordinary landscape.

In how far does it relate to your life?

When I was a child I used to spend my holidays on the island. So I have lots of holiday impressions when I think about Reichnau Island. On the other side, I also lived there for a couple of years, so I had the chance to see the daily life of the farmers. The mix between tourism, which wants to discover landscape and untouched nature, and residents, who are living from agriculture and the rich soil of the island, is amazing.

Author's perspective

From which professional background/perspective are your documenting this case?

I have a bachelor's degree in Geography and I will try to focus more on the development of the landscape.

Landscape and/or urban context of your case

Reichenau Island is the biggest island of the Lake of Constance. It is 4.5 km long and 1.5 km broud. This makes about 675 hectares. The island is connected to the mainland by a causeway. This causeway is 1.3 km long. The highest elevation is 43 meters above lake surface. Today there are two different important means of income. One is the agriculture with all the vegetable farms and the other is tourism. 90 family runned businesses share the planting area of about 120 hectares. These family runned businesses guarantee the big variety of agricultural products. These are for example chives, cauliflower, cucumbers, salads or tomatos. The percentage of green houses is about 25 % or 40 hectares. The second big mean of income - tourism - counts 200.000 accomodations per year and an uncountable number of day tourists on the small island. The island is famous for its vegetables but also for his world cultural hertitage, the Benedictine Abbey of Reichenau founded 724 AD. Agriculture and tourism dominate the island, but it is also an area for endangerd species which overwinter at the lake or spend their time in the reed all around the island. That means an extreme expansion pressure for the nature on the island.

Analytical Drawings
Reichenau Island around 1959
Reichenau Island around 2013

Analytical drawings

Analytical Drawings
Changes over the last 60 years
Natural dynamic, cultural framework and problems and potentials of the island
Scenery of the island in summer
Scenery of the island in winter

Projective drawings

Projective Drawings
Reichenau Island in one or two years
Reichenau Island in about 15 years

A green belt of reed surrounds the island. Poplar or meadow cover the way. There should be a nature trail about nature, culture and history of this small island. Green cooridors connect all parts of the island. The structure of world cultural heritage, nature, agriculture and living and staying on the island shall be better connected and work together.

Summary

The case shows the difficulties between landscape, nature protection, preserving of monuments and the habitat of many species. In my opinion the island hasn't enough variety. The population and the area for agricultural products has dynamicly grown to its status nowadays. But the nature, which is a big factor on the island is nowadays less important because the people live from the high fertile soil and their products. But on the other side, the potential of green tourism isn't developed at all. If the island was be more differential it could be earned more money with tourism. Therefore it would be good to have a green belt with connections, joining all parts of the island. This web could be built up of trees like poplar or meadows and bushes to create network to connect the different shores of the island.