‘Greven on the Ems’ is the name of the joint project which has been launched by the “Westfälische Nachrichten” and the “Verkehrsverein” Greven as part of the project “Ideen fördern” (Promoting ideas). Its aim is to bring into use the dreary urban riverside meadows of the Ems. It is planned to transform these into nature that can be experienced. The landscape planner Gordon Brandenfels presented his vision for this area during the opening event of the project “Greven on the Ems” on 22nd February.
1. Vision. The citizens of Greven experience the Ems and its riverside meadows – free time, culture, art, activities and relaxation can be found there. Identification of the citizens of Greven with their town and their river: increase of attractiveness and unique characteristic in comparison with other towns (commerce and tourism).
2. Including the Ems riverside meadows into an overall concept, a summer academy which is to be continued in the following years has been introduced. Each year a well-known artist holds a summer seminar for young people from Greven, who, under guidance, learn to design and put into practice the making of sandstone columns. These columns are to be erected in the Ems riverside meadows and also in a line through the pedestrian precinct to the momentum “Fabricator”.
In this way Greven can create an open-air gallery as a unique characteristic. The columns offer an identification point for adolescents and children and a welcome staging post for cycle tourists. The columns can easily be sponsored, because they are identifiable and unique.
3. One of the most important crossings over the river is the bridge for cyclists and pedestrians. On both sides of the bridge there is an illuminated wooden platform, which invites one to linger. Along the Ems there are large terraces with ramps that allow one to walk down to the riverside meadows. A wooden platform serves as a stage (boats jetty). There is also the possibility for a summer café.
4. One side of the river bank is widened and shallowed so that one can see the water from the dyke in the east. Here are a sandy beach and adjoining lawns for sunbathing and relaxing.
5. Large reed banks divide up the riverside meadows. Perhaps some trees will be planted without changing the open character of the riverside meadows.
Landscape architect: brandenfels landscape + environment, Münster