Parc Agricole

Parc Agricole focuses on ‘cohabitation’, i.e. the coexistence of conservation, agriculture, and recreation. This extensive park was created in situ on the Kronsberg as compensation for the newly developed pavilion site and as a transition between Hanover’s urban periphery and the surrounding landscape. The connection to the surrounding area was accomplished through the careful positioning of plants and is based on sight lines as well as the layout of the circulation system. The character of the site’s agricultural use and its components was emphasised through the creation of specific views as well as through temporary installations such as the ‘Jardin des Murs’, varying fields of colour during the World Exhibition, and scarecrow sculptures. Plants typical to this region were generally used, as was limestone recovered from EXPO construction sites, and a hay flower seed mixture in order to provide a permanent vegetative cover. Based on the existing and planned development, typical urban tree species are used together with those that express a more rural character. Individual accents draw attention to themselves. Using shrubs in various fields of colour, in rhythmically arranged lines (i.e. Hedges), and as distinct points (solitary objects), gives the open space greater differentiation and increases the biodiversity of the area.

Spatial Perspectives

The hillside’s most important feature is the broad view it affords one over the landscape. As the park was developed, it was considered important to preserve and promote this. The curving path is part of a regional system and leads up the hillside to one of the two outlook hills planned by professor Kienast at the Allmende (commons). Walkers along the main and secondary pathways have a variety of visual links. The distance between the scarecrow sculptures was chosen so that a visual foreshortening occurs: Viewed from the end of the main path the distance between them appears to be the same, whereas in reality this distance (depending on one’s line of sight) either increases or decreases.        

Planting Concept

Avenues of linden and chestnut trees define the park’s edges, wild cherry trees line the curved path, and oak trees visually connect the outlook hill to the pavilions. Groves of hawthorns and fruit trees form spring-blooming entrances. Loose groups of lindens and red and white hornbeams, as well as several striking specimen trees, lend structure to the Jardin des Murs, while ash, field maples, and mountain ash trees surround the fields of colour.  

Fields of Colour and Hay Flower Seed

In cooperation with the Hanover Chamber of Agriculture, ‘fields of colour’ containing yellow and red sunflowers, flax, marigolds, wheat, and leeks were developed and planted alongside the area where the perspective fans out near the World Exhibition site. After the World Exhibition ended the fields of colour were removed and a hay flower seed mixture was planted as a nature conservation measure. The hay used in the planting of the meadows, which was part of a scientific project, was locally grown and harvested. Some of the hay was directly applied to the prepared soil while seed was threshed from the remainder and planted during a second phase.     

Scarecrow Sculptures

Scarecrow sculptures made of woven rattan serve as eye-catching art installations that have a strong link to the fields integrated into the park.

The Parc Agricole’s potential is created by its plants, the impressive views, and the installations. The selection and positioning of the plants determine the park’s character while the trees form its overall framework.   

Location: Hanover / Germany

Client: EXPO 2000 GmbH und Hanover Municipality, Landeshauptstadt Hannover