Wasserfrische

To promote rural regions, the potentials of cultural landscapes need to be highlighted. Exchange usually marks the beginning of such regional developments. In Schwarzatal, efforts were made to build upon existing visions and activities of regional stakeholders while seeking a sustainable landscape. 

 

In 2018 Zukunftswerkstatt Schwarzatal e.V., LEADER Action Group Saalfeld-Rudolstadt, and  IBA Thuringia organized and facilitated a collaborative workshop process involving four teams. They explored spatial qualities and potentials of the Schwarzatal to formulate landscape visions for the future. This initiative was part of the Federal Program for Model Projects in Spatial Planning. 

 

The design by the joint offices MAN MADE LAND & fabulism was favored by a committee comprising professionals and subject matter experts: "Slow Landscape Schwarzatal — Summer Retreats along the Panorama Trail Network." It analyzes the landscape's economic, touristic qualities, and also its shortcomings in Schwarzatal. It embraces the established theme of summer retreats while contemporarily evolving towards a fresher perspective involving water, forests, and meadows. The concept of Wasserfrische focuses on the intersections of hiking trails, waterways, and settlements. The aim is to create simple yet appealing gathering spaces along the Schwarza river.

During the process, two IBA projects emerged: Wasserfrische at Obstfelderschmiede  and Wasserfrische  at Schwarzmühle. These sought-after locations are being designed to create mini-topographies for unique water, landscape, and nature experiences. In the district of Schwarzmühle, close to the Schwarzatalbahn train station and the starting point of the Panorama Trail, a site was chosen. A hiking area and water garden are being established here. At Obstfelderschmiede, the base station of the Thuringian Mountain Railway, a herbal garden for relaxation amidst nature is planned.