The project brings the master plan for the sponge city of Hefei to life and realises a 3 km long green ribbon as a pilot project for integrated water-sensitive urban and landscape planning. Starting from the central water system of river and reservoir, a networked green-blue infrastructure is being created that combines flood protection, local recreation, climate adaptation, ecology and social interaction. The park is divided into five sections, each with a different focus of use.
The floodplain park is the green living room of the neighbouring residential areas and, in addition to its essential role in flood protection, creates spaces and offers for urban life and active leisure activities. Here, a near-natural dry stream runs through a gentle floodplain landscape lined with groups of trees and urban forests.
The lush water biotopes of the wetland park buffer and clean the rainwater and relieve the burden on the sewage system. Extensive terraced slopes characterise the landscape and create an additional flood buffer.
The urban terraces give the city centre an urban face to the water. The multifunctional public bank is a central meeting point and enables a variety of water-related uses.
On the eco shore, the renaturalised shallow water biotopes integrate existing vegetation, promote biodiversity and enable a direct experience of nature. A multi-stage system of nature-based solutions improves the water quality of the reservoir, whose ecology is under pressure from the surrounding urbanisation.
Depending on the season, the weather and the water level, the landscape changes its appearance as water surfaces swell and new perspectives emerge. A continuous cycle highway links the urban area from north to south, making cycling an attractive and sustainable mobility option.

„Think about people first, then about traffic routes. A good city is like a good party. People stay there longer than necessary because they feel good." This quote from Danish urban planner Jan Gehl sums up our planning understanding of the Parkway well.

The Parkway is a place that is finely networked, that relates building and open space uses in a variety of ways, and that actively supports climate resilience. A green and diverse space that constantly links the opposites of MOBILITY and DISTURBANCE. Due to the valuable and spatially defining existing trees in the Patrick Henry Village as a starting point, the route was designed in such a way that as many woody plants as possible are preserved. Rainwater is stored in swales, infiltration trenches and rain gardens as a valuable resource, benefiting plants and groundwater. The paved areas are reduced to a minimum and designed as light-coloured surfaces.

The paving material is a newly developed and market-introduced climate stone which absorbs rainfall and can evaporate as much water as a meadow surface (50% instead of 11% to 18% as with conventional paving stones).
The Parkway fulfils the function of a linear park with a high quality of open space, encounter and stay, serves as an inner and outer distributor for the Patrick Henry Village and provides a safe framework for a broad variety of urban mobility types.

With its amazing food, its multitude of untouched nature and its rich ancient history Albania deserves a much broader public that comes to visit, than the 'off the beaten track tourist'. International tourism is a sector in constant development: More and more travellers are looking for authentic experiences which enrich them as individuals and also do something good for the country they are visiting.

Sustainable tourism can provide these experiences through unique learning experiences directly tied to a country's people and culture. Having this in mind the Dutch Embassy supported the cooperation of Cityförster with MVO Nederland and partners, to work on an inspiring concept for sustainable tourism in Albania, combining it with agriculture. The goal was to strengthen one destination by a multi-stakeholder approach to create a better place to live and visit. After comprehensive analyses Qeparo, an old village along the coastline of Albania has been chosen as a concrete area and in March 2016 a one-week workshop consisting of field visits, interviews with local entrepreneurs and design and business planning sessions with entrepreneurs on agriculture, hospitality, tourism services, urban planning and product design was organized. It resulted in potential projects, business cases and future scenarios for Qeparo. The project is currently being prepared for follow-up, up-scaling and replication.

You can find the online version of the report here.

In its current state, the Guitanghe River harbours complex problems for the urban development of Changsha. In addition to frequent flooding events, there is a lack of integration into the city. The river forms the backside of the city, which is reflected in a lack of accessibility and unsafe, littered riverbank zones. In the rapidly growing metropolis, there is also a lack of green meeting spaces that regulate the urban climate.

The aim of the integrated masterplan is to emphasise the river as a central and lively lifeline in the city and to significantly increase its ecological, urban, social and cultural significance. Based on the flooding problem and different water levels of the Guitanghe, the result is a dynamically reacting urban design that considers water as a variable in the dimensioning and programming of spaces. A field of urban experimentation is being created where innovative water management and urban planning concepts intertwine and give the growing city an ambitious, positive and future-oriented perspective.

The river is therefore of great importance as the central and linear centre of the city, which offers opportunities for urban development improvements in addition to water management measures. As a green lung, the Guitanghe strengthens the urban ecosystem and creates new identity-forming spaces for local recreation as well as social and cultural infrastructure on its banks.

In the long term, the river and the green-blue corridors emanating from it can connect the city of Changsha both within the city centre and to the outlying areas and neighbouring recreational and nature conservation areas.

This project involves a detailed public infrastructure gap analysis and the creation of an action plan for the development of two pilot sites in Georgia: Samshvilde in Kvemo Kartli and Pikalebi in Kakheti. Samshvilde is known for its archaeological and cultural heritage, while Pikalebi is historically significant as Kakheti's gateway.

The plan aims to unlock the tourism potential of these sites, minimize environmental impact, and engage stakeholders and the local community inclusively. It includes budget estimates for the necessary public investments in both locations.

Key project tasks encompass public infrastructure assessment, community engagement, social impact assessment, and stakeholder mapping. The report identifies development challenges and opportunities for both sites, stressing the importance of strategic planning and community involvement.

For Samshvilde, the focus is on improving roads, drinking water, and sewage systems while preserving the village's character and enhancing public spaces. For Pikalebi, the report suggests a dispersed design approach inspired by the „Albergo Diffuso" concept to maintain the area's natural beauty and integrate hotel infrastructure with the environment.

Overall, the action plan seeks to transform Samshvilde and Pikalebi into vibrant, sustainable tourist destinations while protecting their cultural and natural heritage for future generations.

In the Wetland Park of the sponge city of Hefei, an exciting, green-blue recreational area is being created from the necessary infrastructures for flood protection and rainwater purification.
The low-lying wetland biotope, which develops from the depression of the neighbouring dry stream to the north, is modelled on a river delta and creates diverse ecological and scenic added value for the neighbouring urban areas. The considerable difference in height between road and water level is integrated into the design in the form of terraced slopes, which are modelled on traditional Chinese rice terraces. The different terrain levels descend towards the wetland biotope, creating a variety of recreational areas that differ in size, shape and utilisation options. The steeper areas have generous seating steps that offer residents attractive sunset spots, among other things. A variety of visual connections mediate between the city and the park landscape. The circular walkways allow flora and fauna to be experienced in the centre of the city and invite playful movement and activity.
In its buffer function, the Wetland Park plays an important role in the city's water management: the large retention volume of the open space absorbs excessive amounts of runoff and prevents potential backwater during heavy rainfall events. The pre-cleaned water from the northern floodplain park is purified here by aquatic plants before being channelled into the neighbouring reservoir. Floating plant islands create a flowing landscape transition between the wetland and the reservoir and form a habitat for ecologically valuable microorganisms.

The floodplain park is one of the five green corridors in the north of the airport city and plays a key role in the overarching sponge city concept. As a blue-green infrastructure, it makes a virtue out of the threat of flooding: the technical facilities required for water management are carefully integrated into the landscape design and staged as interactive, identity-creating open space elements. The result is a valuable public green space for play, sport and recreation.
A meandering dry stream forms a central landscape element of the floodplain park. The different water levels give it a constantly changing appearance. The neighbouring panoramic path runs close to the riverbed, along meadows and densely planted groves. Direct paths for cyclists and pedestrians connect the neighbouring residential areas. For the people who live there, the park serves as a green living room and is a meeting place for various social activities. Seating areas along the extensive retention areas invite people to linger and relax. Numerous facilities, such as a basketball court, playgrounds and a skate park, are easily accessible along the park promenade. The market hall located at the intersection with the cycle highway is a central meeting point and forms a striking spatial prelude.
In addition to the social needs of the city dwellers, the park fulfils another important task: the surface water from the surrounding districts is channelled here and cleaned by hydrophytes in rain gardens. Collected in retention basins, the rainwater can seep away and evaporate. The dry stream diverts any excess water into the wetland. While the riverbed of the dry stream is designed for a 50-year heavy rainfall event, the green corridor as a whole can absorb the rainfall of 200-year extreme weather events.

The city terraces give the centre of the airport city a lively and representative face to the dam. They bring the urban character and the mix of functions right down to the water's edge and create a versatile waterside edge with a promenade, shady urban trees, spacious open terraces, a bathing island, a marina for sailing and rowing boats, viewing platforms and flexible areas for events and catering.
The shore area is divided into an elevated, flood-safe area with a pedestrian walkway and cycle path and a lower, temporarily flooded shore zone close to the normal water level of the dam, which opens up a wide range of opportunities for interaction with the water. The raised quay and promenade areas offer sweeping views along the water's edge, while the traffic-calmed riverside road creates space for markets and sporting events. Sponge city elements such as retention soil filters and rainwater overflow basins are integrated into the waterfront design as green inlays. Lush rain gardens compensate for the sealed surfaces and also enable effective buffering and natural purification of the rainwater produced.
The northern start of the area is formed by a bathing island in front of the dam with heated swimming pools, which allow for an extended season of use. In the colder months, the island can be used as a versatile event venue. The city terraces combine urban life and water space to create an attractive and multifunctional meeting place.

Various near-natural areas in the southern part of Hefei Sponge City Park together form the eco shore. At a greater distance from the urban residential areas of the new city, species-rich, protected water biotopes are being created here by remodelling the bank structures of the reservoir.
The dilapidated existing concrete embankment is being repaired and extended by a foreshore. This so-called eco-berm made of bamboo mats, gravel, sediment, wood and large stones will be placed on top of the existing structure and provide new habitats for water-loving plants and animals. The plant species introduced here improve the water quality by serving as a food source for bacteria that purify the water of the reservoir through natural processes.
An existing woodland area is being reforested and developed into a dense urban forest, which has a positive effect on the microclimate and biodiversity. In addition, a retention soil filter hidden in the forest takes on hydrological functions. Rainwater is cleaned here and then channelled into the lake.
The former fish ponds are being transformed into shallow water zones with bird islands and beaches. These areas, which are inaccessible to humans, provide important refuges for endangered local bird species. A panoramic platform allows people to experience the protected areas and opens up wide views across the lake. The species-rich, shallow banks create additional retention space in the event of heavy rainfall. Along the neighbouring main road to the south, a new layer of trees filters the fine dust particles.

The entire program consists of roughly 4 components: The City Green Spine, The River Park, Natural Wetlands, and The Multi-purpose Lake.

City Green Spine aims to provide blue-green solutions for the city of Peja surrounding the Lumbardhi river. The main feature is a green, gradually-stepped riverbank, allowing access to the river and a green space adjacent to the center of Peja.

The River Park is the section between the city and the newly built wastewater treatment plant. More specifically, it connects with the new urban development area of Peja. The River Park has a twofold aim: (1) manage the river, and (2) provide a green, natural environment for residents and tourists.

The Natural Wetlands is the section of the river from the wastewater treatment plant to the lake. It is an area that will be more natural than the River Park, which allows the river to move more freely.

The Development of the Multi-purpose Lake is one of the prestige measures of the program. The current site is degraded due to illegal gravel extraction and pollution. The Multi-purpose Lake will revitalize both socio-economic and ecological values of the site, whilst attracting national and international visitors.

Connectivity of the urban and rural landscape is essential for accessibility and use of the to-be-developed program components. Measures include hike paths and bike paths from the city centre to the Multi-Purpose Lake, via the River Park and the Natural Wetlands. Lastly, a shuttle service will be developed to ensure easy transit between the city centre and the lake.

How can the area of the former racecourse in the east of Bremen be used as a local recreation area for all citizens of Bremen that, in addition to providing important ecosystem services, continues to allow space for experimentation and the unexpected?

The racetrack oval becomes a continuous green ring that leads through the different areas. The outer edge is the most precisely formulated in terms of landscape design and the most regulated in terms of operation. It functions as a perceptible spatial framework and as a clear threshold between inside and outside. In addition, two circular paths provide the overarching connectivity here. The openness of the racecourse center is preserved and staged. It remains open for dynamic changes and is a valuable property that has to be negotiated continuously. Sub-areas are characterized in a variety of ways and occupied by different clusters of use. Individual utilization modules profit from the spatial proximity to each other and can form synergies. The central connecting path is supplemented by a network of secondary footpaths and trails. It runs through the different areas of use of the park and enables a direct and intuitive passage through the area.
The project showcase building at the entrance to the area serves as a hub for networking local actors and sees itself as an open start-up center where new ideas and impulses for the racecourse area are continuously generated.

The concept preserves and further develops existing landscape and utilization structures. It avoids deconstruction and adds new layers to the site - structurally, functionally, and ecologically.

A river in the middle of Hannover's city center holds the potential to be an inviting, green place where city dwellers enjoy spending time. Currently, valuable areas along the Leine's shores between the river and the Cityring are neglected and underused.

In pre-industrial times, the Leine and its tributaries were among the river systems in northern Germany which had the highest quantity of salmon. During industrialization and the resulting pollution of the water bodies many fish species have disappeared. The reduction of the fish stock is linked for example due to the construction of hydroelectric power plants and dams, and the large-scale river development carried out in the 20th century.

Numerous projects since the 1970s have restored and improved the water quality and the ecological connectivity. The renaturation of rivers is an important contribution to a resource-efficient and ecological city.

In the confined spaces of a city, a particularly large number of different demands are placed on water bodies. However, numerous potentials along the Leine remain unused in the inner city. Further, the canalization and urbanization of the stream only allows to a limited extend the return of flora and fauna to the city. Renaturalised rivers in the city can help to cushion the effects of climatic changes. For example, riparian areas can be integrated into flood protection by retaining the water during periods of extreme rainfall. In addition, the design addresses urban planning goals, such as making the river shores more attractive and easily accessible for the citizens.

Since the Leine is an urban river, it ought to be addressed both in ecological as well as in social terms. Various interventions along the riverbank serve to revitalize and enhance the quality of life. The key part of the project are the renaturation of shore opposite to the "Hohes Ufer", the reduction of the cityring and the fish ladder. In these areas, new habitats for flora and fauna are created along with new places and functions for recreation. The fish ladder close to the Friederiken Bridge, will enable the connectivity and improvement of existing habitats and it will increase the visibility of the Leine in the city as a unique selling point.

The concept for the renaturation of the Leine was presented on the 29the of September 2022 with the Leinewelle e.V. and Angler Association and published in the Hannoversche Allgemeine Zeitung (HAZ), among others.

Mtirala National Park is considered one of the most important protected areas in the Autonomous Republic of Adjara in Georgia. The name Mtirala (meaning „to cry") is derived from the 4,500 mm of annual rainfall, making it one of the wettest areas of the former Soviet Union.

The Integrated Masterplan for Mtirala National Park and Korolistavi Village aims to strengthen both wildlife and ecosystem protection as well as local economic development through eco-tourism. CITYFÖRSTER in collaboration with a variety of experts, from business consultancy to mountain bike trail development, developed a masterplan by formulating a 20-year vision for the region, containing 25+ possible interventions promoting and making accessible the "wettest place of Europe" a subtropical European rainforest, as well as a detailed 3-year action plan, eco-tourism and marketing and promotion strategy.

CITYFÖRSTER organized three workshops with the community of Korolistavi village and three stakeholder's workshops, identifying their goals and vision for Mtirala National Park and Korolistavi village.

Regarding the Architectural interventions, we were greatly inspired by the extremely peculiar natural situation of the park. Our aim was to design an architecture that doesn't distort but rather amplifies the peculiarities. This was achieved by designing extremely light, compact, and delicate objects.The function of these objects is not to draw attention to themselves but to be used as devices for understanding their natural surroundings.

The redesign of the pool area in Merzenich offers the chance to regain an important old square, especially the get-together, to create new structures for Merzenich. The aim is to bring back the spirit of activity, work and togetherness and the collective benefit of the square with our design. Primarily, we clean up and structure the space. Parking is pushed aside and broken up into small pieces. The centre of the square is levelled and therefore multiplying the possible uses.

The central element is an egg-shaped water feature in front of the healthcare courtyard that feeds from a large cistern under the square. Here, excess rainwater from the surrounding buildings can be collected and stored on stormy days to create a supply for possible dry weather periods.

The tree line traces the old building line and gives the urban layout more body. Finally, on the surrounding plots, a production, a healthcare, and a recreation courtyard are created with urban massing, providing space (structures) for a variety of uses. Housing is added everywhere to set free the pool area's full potential of becoming a busy and innovative hub where young and old can live and work together, be taught and learn, and where you can relax and celebrate.