Packhof, Brandenburg an der Havel

The former Packhof (packing yard) is located in the heart of Brandenburg an der Havel – between Dominsel, Altstadt and Neustadt. Located directly on the Havel, the 3-hectare site represents one of the few central city centre sites in the city. Due to its favourable location, the former Packhof is of great importance for the future development of the city centre. The area has been used as a public green space since the 2015 Federal Garden Show (BUGA).

Urban development concept

We are proposing four small building blocks at the rear of the Wilhelminian-style buildings on Packhofstrasse, whose public and therefore most important side faces the park. This interface between the city and the park is also the connection between the Jahrtausendbrücke and the new bridge over the Näthewinde. This creates a lively route along the new development. The ground floors at this connection are prominent and can be used flexibly for a wide range of facilities, businesses and catering outlets. Here, the city presents itself at the park and, like a city balcony, offers views into the greenery of the park.

The roofs of the buildings offer a very special, semi-public space. The roof of the public neighbourhood garage is accessed via a spacious external staircase. From here you have a wonderful view over the city.

Open space concept

The result is a spacious, landscaped park that creates a tranquil landscape. It is characterised by the wide meadow area, structured exclusively by groups of trees, which invites people to picnic, lie down and play. The new, approx. 400 metre long circular path is the end point of a popular running route along the Brandenburg Niederhavel and forms a striking medallion. In the middle of the meadow is a reminiscence of the BUGA, of which part of the plateau with the roof construction and three wall discs have been preserved as a reminder.

A stage, which is part of the dynamic sculpture of the bridge, offers space for all kinds of productions and also enables atmospheric dance evenings in the open air. A forest of stems draws attention to the bridge and illuminates the stage.

Traffic concept

The planned Packhof neighbourhood is designed as a car-free area. The streets will be designed as pedestrian zones with freedom of use for emergency, supply and disposal and disabled traffic. Using a gentle separation principle, the relevant areas for motorised traffic will be highlighted in terms of design and eight parking spaces each will be created for people with disabilities and areas for loading and unloading for residents or delivery vehicles. In the neighbourhood garage, a mobility hub with cargo bikes and e-bike sharing, a parking station and services “All about bikes” and station-based car sharing will be offered.