Open Space
Active living
The open space in Oberbillwerder is planned as a connecting element in line with the
‘Connected City’ concept. The basic structure of the urban development and open space planning concept was also based on local ditches and historical watercourses. These determine the basic shape of the Green Loop, and this park, together with the activity park, forms the blue-green backbone of Oberbillwerder. As a linear park, the Green Loop connects all neighbourhoods centrally and enables safe and pleasant footpath and cycle connections throughout the entire district and beyond. At the same time, a unique ecosystem is being created with spaces for local flora and fauna. The public spaces and green structures thus have a strong influence on Oberbillwerder. As the centrepiece, the Green Loop combines innovative green infrastructure with the qualities of a linear city park and the necessary climate resilience. It is part of a new urban life in which nature, exercise, play and fun, as well as adaptation to climate change, are interwoven. The Green Loop remains a fundamental component of Oberbillwerder’s climate-adaptive infrastructure. Some of its areas can be temporarily flooded, allowing them to retain rainwater for the entire district in order to generate evaporation.
The Green Loop connects innovative green infrastructure with the qualities of a linear city park and necessary climate resilience at its heart.
Active City
Oberbillwerder is part of the City of Hamburg’s Active City Strategy and sees itself as a model district for an active lifestyle. This starts with active transportation for residents’ everyday journeys: the routes in the neighbourhood are quicker and more relaxed on foot or by bike than by car. The district also offers numerous sports and exercise facilities on sports fields, in a swimming pool, at building level and in open spaces, focusing on health for all ages. Not only is there room for everyday exercise, but also for organised sports in clubs.
The activity park brings schools, clubs, sports groups and recreational athletes together in an attractive green space and open area. These are designed in accordance with the principles of Active City and therefore aim to enable low-threshold and barrier-free participation for the district. Oberbillwerder wants to promote exercise, sport, play and active recreation for people of all ages, thereby fostering cohesion within the neighbourhood and with neighbouring districts.
© ADEPT + Karres en Brands / IBA Hamburg
Oberbillwerder connects people, places and ideas
A district that embodies community spirit: with meeting places, popular spots and a green loop that combines exercise, socialising and nature.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Active City mean?
Hamburg is a city of sport. In Oberbillwerder, sport and exercise play an important role: as a model district for Active City, the focus here is not only on traditional sports, but also on an active and dynamic everyday life for residents of all ages. Exercise is seen as an integral part of daily life. This refers to active and communal life as a whole, so that people can travel safely and easily by bicycle or on foot and meet each other in their everyday lives.
Oberbillwerder is being developed into an attractive, social and inclusive urban space that encourages physical activity and has something to offer all sections of the population. Active sports enthusiasts will have access to sports fields and facilities, a swimming pool, running and riding trails, fast cycle routes, exercise islands, etc.
What significance does the Green Loop have for the new district?
The approximately 15-hectare Green Loop is Oberbillwerder’s main artery: it shapes the urban structure, serves as a transport link, public open space and recreational area, and is also a central element in the drainage concept. The Green Loop connects the five neighbourhoods with each other. At the same time, all schools and daycare centres can be reached via it. This green ring is characterised by safe and good transport links with integrated playgrounds and exercise facilities for people of all ages, as well as places for rest and relaxation.
Ecological areas for diverse urban nature for plants and animals are integrated at various locations. The banks or sports areas in the Green Loop can easily be flooded during heavy rainfall. These areas store water like a sponge, allowing it to drain away in controlled doses so that the existing system is not overwhelmed.
