The award-winning project addresses the issue of landscapes affected by post-surface mining activities. The research focused on the Welzow – Drebkau – Neupetershain region of Lusatia, where a design and development concept is to be created for the post-coal mining era of 2038. During the summer semester of 2024, master’s student Till Pulst developed a concept known as a »Productive Landscape« at the Chair of Landscape Architecture and Planning within the Faculty of Architecture and Urbanism, with the design integrating ecological, economic and social objectives. For example, the design focuses on local value chains with a circular character and the spatial proximity between producers and consumers. The proposal to develop a joint energy paper between the three municipalities complements the work in a meaningful way. 

Till Pulst captivated the jury with his precisely formulated and visionary concept thanks to his innovative approach. The jury remarked, »The author has successfully transformed regions once defined by mining into future-oriented realms that are now being reimagined as a ‘gateway to the new energy landscape’. This (...) not only creates new visual and functional qualities but also seamlessly incorporates renewable energy generation into the landscape in an impressive manner. The future landscape will be defined by a vibrant mix of energy infrastructure and natural features that symbolise the overall transformation of the region. These should not be viewed as static but rather permitted to evolve dynamically.«

About the Prize

The Peter Joseph Lenné Prize, awarded by the State of Berlin, is the world’s largest competition for innovative ideas aimed at young professionals in the fields of garden and landscape architecture, open space planning and urban development. It draws upon the diverse legacy of garden designer and urban planner Peter Joseph Lenné (1789-1866), who significantly influenced garden design in Prussia for decades. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the prize, which is awarded biennially in the three categories of Regional, National, and International, with each category winner receiving a grant of 5,000 euros. This year’s ceremony and award presentation took place on 22 November 2024 at the »Akademie der Künste« on Pariser Platz in Berlin.