Where Children Play, the Future Grows
Nature Kindergarten & Hermann-Gmeiner Park | Dornbirn
The construction of the nature kindergarten also triggered a comprehensive redesign of the Hermann-Gmeiner-Park recreational forest. While the park was well connected with paths and provided plenty of shade, it lacked inviting spaces to linger, diverse vegetation, and climate-adapted planting. The goal was to create a robust, nature-rich environment for children, families, and older people (including those with disabilities and people with a migration background) that could also withstand heat and heavy rainfall. The renovation focused on the use of climate-resilient tree species, the integration of a shrub layer, and the targeted use of natural materials and reused elements or building materials.
At the heart of the concept is a resilient green space designed for all generations. Timber from the municipal forest was used for the newly designed kindergarten building, and the intensively greened facade and rooftop areas contributed to an improved microclimate. Educational zones such as an orchard, clay construction site, raised garden beds, and soundscapes were integrated into the overall concept. A publicly accessible wooden walkway now leads through nature-inspired play and discovery areas in the forest and around the kindergarten – including terrain depressions, play shrubs, and a low-rope course.
A highlight for the youngest children is the spacious public sand-and-water play area with a play hill, offering a refreshing experience on hot days. Over 10,500 m² of the total 12,400 m² site remains unsealed to promote water retention and evaporation. Generously scaled natural elements offer children a variety of spatial experiences. Along the wooden walkway in the hollow way, between rocks, through sound tubes, and under dense hedges, the play experience becomes a form of self-discovery – ideally leading to the fundamental experience of self-efficacy. Children explore the natural space throughout the seasons, over the course of their kindergarten years, both in groups and individually, according to their preferences, strengths, and abilities. For the small sealed area (192 m²) in front of the kindergarten, light-colored materials were chosen to help reduce heat load.
Nature-based design enhances biodiversity: shrubs, herbs, wildflowers, and climate-resistant plant communities create habitats and food sources for birds, small mammals, insects, and potentially amphibians and reptiles. The zoning allows for both quiet retreat areas and lively meeting points.
The planning was carried out in close collaboration between the city, the kindergarten leadership, landscape architects, and timber construction experts. Even after completion of the outdoor area, new plantings and spontaneous vegetation are being monitored to ensure long-term development.
Today, Hermann-Gmeiner-Park stands as a model for climate-adapted, socially inclusive open space design – inspired by the needs of a nature kindergarten and made possible through a shared vision between the city, professionals, and most importantly, its users.
• All landscape architecture offices involved in the design of landscape:
Studio Land Rise | Maria Anna Schneider-Moosbrugger
• Architecture offices involved in the design:
The kindergarden building was designed by Johannes Kaufmann | JK&P
• Other credits:
Photo Credits: Maria-Anna Schneider-Moosbrugger & Petra Rainer
Manufacturer of urban or play equipment: all Handmade by the Werkhof der Stadt Dornbirn, Re-use Materials
