Grenzvorplatz Bad Muskau

With the discontinuation of stationary border controls, the former Grenzvorplatz – or border forecourt – in Bad Muskau lost its function. The new design highlights the square as a special location that acts as a gateway to the town, the Muskauer Park World Heritage Site and the Republic of Poland.

The new square is located in the green belt of the park. The linearity of the Neisse embankment is retained. The elevation reflects the height of the dam. The result is a raised square on which one moves at the level of the embankment with reference to the water. The square’s city-facing edge comprises a backdrop-like grove of aspens that contrasts with the loose vegetation of the green corridor. The lawn on the plateau is the interface to the green corridor. The area between the lawn and the water is home to multifunctional wooden furniture that offers seating as well as a prime vantage point under the auspices of two existing trees. The result is a sheltered meeting beneath a cosy canopy of leaves.