Green bridge in Hagen: A park for the city of the future!

Green bridge in Hagen: A park for the city of the future!

This day, May 5, 2025, the artist Clemens Weiss presents a fascinating architectural model in Hagen: the "Green Bridge for Hagen". This innovative concept is inspired by the famous High Line in New York City, a groundbreaking example of urban revitalization, the abandoned infrastructure in public Rooms transformed.

Weiss began the development of his model about five years ago, which is based on a former high bridge that has been shut down since 1980 and is to be demolished soon. In 2020, Hagen's head of the building department brought the idea of ​​transforming the old route into a green park, which gave the impetus for white ’artistic and architectural work. Its circuit extends over impressive four meters and is currently shown in an exhibition in Kuntraumno.10 on Matthiasstrasse.

inspiration through the high line

The High Line, originally a freight railway line, was built in the 1930s and served the efficient goods transport in Manhattan until their standstill in the 1980s. With the rise of truck traffic, she was forgotten and unintentionally turned into an urban garden. Activists and landscape architects began in the late 1990s with the redesign, which culminated in 2009 with the opening of the first section and continued until 2014. This project not only revolutionized urban landscape design, but also served as a model for other cities worldwide.

The high line is characterized by a variety of local plants that promote biodiversity and harmonize with local ecology. Their design follows sustainable practices such as the management of rainwater and the use of permeable coverings. The integration of artistic elements and the creation of a cultural center show the versatility of modern urban rooms.

economic and social effects

The success of the high line also has an economic impact: in the neighboring quarter, real estate prices rose by over 30 percent, while local shops and restaurants flourished. In addition, the park attracts millions of tourists every year, which leads to the necessary improvement in the local infrastructure. However, there are also concerns about the gentrification and the repression of long -standing residents due to increasing cost of living.

The High Line also shows how important community commitment is for the development of public spaces. Due to extensive opportunities for participation during the development, a strong identification of the residents could be created with the project.

clemens knows ’vision for Hagen could bring comparable positive effects for the city. His work and the concept of the "Green Bridge" could not only act as a local recreation area, but also raise awareness of sustainable urban development and significantly increase the quality of life of the residents.