Urban Renovation of Donauwörth

Based on the original harbor, the landscape design of the project provides a 6.5 meter high floodwall and re-layouts the old barge pier. The scheme plan of the urban space between wharf and river plaza was carefully designed so that the Ried Island and the center of the old town regained their vitality.

The island Ried is located in the river Wörnitz near the old town of Donauwörth and close to the Donau estuary. In the past the island was surrounded by city walls and towers and contained already in the 12^th century a protected “harbor”. Due to the transport monopoly and the development of the harbor the fishing craft was powerful and very prosperous. Even the transportation of military forces during the wartime was organized from that place.

Based on the old wall route the SBA Team created a new flood protection and designed the boat landing through the dropping down to the river plaza (Fischerplatz).

Nowadays the plaza and the island Ried became a lively urban space again, which is protected from flooding by 6.5m high gates.

By integrating water-permeable materials with a sponge-like structure and by smart planning of water areas, the ground is able to absorb water, in the sense of a “Sponge-City”. Excessive water will not just be swept away, but sinks into the ground or is traced back into the rivers, lakes or other water surfaces. This is not just preventing floods. In warm temperatures, especially in summer, the ground emits water step by step and provides in combination with the wind a very comfortable micro-climate.

Project by SBA