The Bonames “Maurice Rose Airfield” helicopter landing pad, formerly used for military purposes—a relic of the Cold War—had long been an unused, impervious space in the Nidda floodplain, standing in stark contrast to the surrounding nature. The goal was to transform this historically significant site into a nature park that both preserves the memory of its past and provides space for ecological development and local recreation. The challenge was to respect this history while paving the way for a sustainable transformation.

Instead of completely reshaping the site, more than half of the existing impervious surfaces were broken up to allow the natural succession process to take place. Concrete and asphalt surfaces were removed, elevation differences were created through subsidence, and demolition materials were incorporated into gabion baskets. These interventions promote the development of new habitats for flora and fauna and give nature the opportunity to gradually reclaim the space. Today, 20 years later, the site features a wide variety of habitat structures and a distinct urban wilderness. Wetlands, rock piles, and rows of trees provide habitat for around 370 animal species, some of which are on the red lists. The site serves as a breeding and resting place for many birds, and amphibians also find suitable conditions here for their development.

The project invites visitors to experience this dynamic development process in real time and observe how the space is evolving from a rigid military site into a vibrant natural environment.
The former runway has been preserved as a striking landscape feature but is broken up by strategic cuts and the incorporation of demolition materials. These interventions create space for vegetation without obscuring the runway’s clear structure.

The grove—another defining element of the park—draws the eye toward the former control tower building. It, too, is guided by the philosophy of creating a dynamic space that becomes increasingly dense and comes into its own over the years. The grove is complemented by temporary features such as the Agenda Forest.

The project also aims to actively involve the local community. A bridge connects the site to the regional network of walking and cycling paths, making the park accessible to city residents. A “floating” footbridge over the Nidda floodplain leads directly to the striking tower building, which serves as the park’s landmark. The northwestern road will be preserved as a footpath, providing additional pedestrian access. Social and cultural initiatives such as the Tower Café and the “Green Classrooms” offer a space for children and young people to experience the park as a living nature laboratory. Through regular events and with the support of landscape guides, visitors can learn more about natural change and actively participate in it.

Today, the old airfield is perceived as a multifunctional space. As the gateway to Frankfurt’s Green Belt and thus also to the Rhine-Main Regional Park, it has a direct impact on the urban climate and is becoming a local recreation area for residents.

The resource-efficient use of demolition materials is more important today than ever before. Instead of using new building materials, materials from the existing infrastructure were recycled and used for the redesign of the site. This transformation follows a two-step process: First, the material is processed, and over time, it continues to change as it is reshaped by nature. Demolition materials used for the runway, the viewing platform, and benches contribute to the project’s authenticity and continue to tell the story of the site.

Client: Frankfurt am Main Parks and Recreation Department
Landscape Architecture: GTL Landschaftsarchitektur, Michael Triebswetter, Markus Gnüchtel
Construction Management: Klaus W. Rose

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