Lohgraben Coburg

Lohgraben stretches between the important urban axes of Hindenburgstraße and Steinweg. With its curved, meandering form, the now piped course of the Hanh River beneath Lohgraben is still clearly visible in the cityscape. Lohgraben thus stands in compelling contrast to the linearity of the path axes it flanks. The spatial sequence of Badergasse, Lohgraben, Schenkgasse and Gerbergasse not only forms a continuous route for pedestrians and cyclists, but also creates a distinctive path with its own identity. The meandering course favours a small-scale sequence of spaces that are not immediately visible but are discovered one by one. A scenic succession of small squares creates anchor points and areas for retreat.

Exposing the hidden and bringing the water back to the surface in a visible and tangible way is a central component of the new design concept. The theme of water is used in various forms to enliven the outdoor space – at the squares as urban fountains and in the side streets as lush water gardens. The Kindlesbrunnen, a special historical relic, is awarded its due emphasis as an essential component of the path along the former course of the Hanh River. The fragmented ribbon of water(gardens) creates a blue-green counterpart to the stone pathways and squares of its surroundings. The evaporation areas provide a pleasant microclimate and make for a variety of sensory impressions, thus significantly enhancing Lohgraben’s appeal for residents and visitors alike. The lightly incised water gardens also serve as rainwater reservoirs and local urban biotopes to increase biodiversity.