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Successful start to the procedural park development «Josefina»

Under the following link, the Photo protocol of both events can be viewed.

Together with the population, the process for the temporary learning neighbourhood park next to the energy centre on Viaduktstrasse started in spring 2025. Under the name "Josefina" and with the support of an interdisciplinary team composed of the specialist offices Denkstatt sàrl, S2L Landschaftsarchitektur & Stadtplanung and oekoskop AG, the district park will continue to develop over the coming years.

Concrete usage needs were taken up and further thought through in dialogue with local makers. Josefina offers space to co-create, try out and change – over several years. This creates a free space that continuously changes and develops with the needs of the users and secures the accumulated knowledge for long-term development.

First participation event "Sowing"

On 5 March 2025, Grün Stadt Zürich, together with the project team, invited people to "sowing". An event as a prelude to the process for the organized public. "The temporary tree nursery is a first, visible step towards more green space – an important part of the park's processual development," explained Simone Brander in her welcoming speech. Afterwards, information was provided about the project, the planning team was introduced, the planned working method was explained and open questions were answered. In an open and constructive atmosphere, valuable perspectives were shared, ideas were exchanged and the next steps were discussed.

Particularly pleasing was the great interest in active participation. The invitation to the picnic of activities on 29 March was enthusiastically received – the opportunity for the general population to get involved and drive the development of the park together.

Second participation event "Picnic of Activities"

On 29 March 2025, the public launch followed with the "Picnic of Activities", which was attended by around 40 people from the population. After an introduction by the project team and information about the process, the participants were able to sketch out their concrete usage needs in a model in thematically structured groups and discuss them together. Despite the rainy weather, those present were not discouraged and took the opportunity to test the ideas on the model outside. Various ideas for use were discussed and initial possibilities for organising the park were explored.
The active participation and the great interest confirm the strong commitment of the local population to the new park.

Findings from the two events

the discussions and model sketches, some insights and recurring ideas have emerged. The idea of the municipal tree nursery was met with understanding and was relatable for the participants. Many would like to see a stronger spatial separation from the Neue Hard, which is perceived as disturbing in its current design . The idea of a covered place in the park, for example in the form of a pavilion that offers protection from sun and rain, was very popular. Such a place would allow for a variety of uses and invite people of all ages to the park. In addition, the participants emphasized the importance of niches and differentiated spaces – for example, for seating, sporting activities or barbecues together. At the same time, an open square situation in the centre of the park is to create space for encounters. Young people should be welcome in the park, their stay and their actions should be consciously allowed and supported. Nature should also find its place: the wish was expressed to enable spontaneous settlements by flora and fauna and to make them visible. Finally, it was noted that even minimal infrastructure, such as electricity and water connections, hold great potential for activities in the park.

Under the following link, the photo transcript of both events can be viewed.

All photos of ©Samuel_Bramley