Hängende Gärten

The Mollerstadt was almost completely destroyed during World War II. After the war, the original perimeter block structure was abandoned and replaced with a heavily paved layout, which still defines the neighborhood today.

Discussions about redesigning the area have been ongoing for years, but private owners and real estate companies have shown little interest in change. Numerous regulations, utilities managed by the traffic department, and the interests of the car lobby further complicate additional measures. This affects both the quality of life for residents and the experience of visitors to the city center. At the same time, the city of Darmstadt’s climate adaptation plan calls for more greenery to cool the neighborhood and make it more resilient to heat stress.

The “Hanging Gardens” project offers a new perspective on urban greening and aims to serve as a model for cities facing similar challenges. The hanging gardens are intended to grow permanently and gradually develop vertically throughout the neighborhood—or even in other districts. Wherever possible, a visible example of collaboratively designed change will emerge along one or more streets, to be celebrated and made visible. Residents are to be actively involved in the design and implementation process.

The project is supported by municipal offices such as the Environmental Office, the Climate Adaptation Office, and the Parks and Green Spaces Department. Additional partners—including city marketing, Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences, the University of Darmstadt, and larger municipal and private actors—are planned to be involved in the future.