Two Major International Exhibitions Highlight Hamburg’s Green Approach to Urban Living.
The year-long International Garden Show and the International Building Exhibition Bring Experts and Tourists to Hamburg’s Up-and-Coming Wilhelmsburg District.
Hamburg / Los Angeles, April 2013 – With the spring 2013 openings of the International Building Exhibition (IBA) and the International Garden Show (igs), Hamburg continues to count on green technology, building and urban design, and stays on course as a “livable city”, which had already earned it the designation of “European Green Capital” in 2011. For about seven months, the two exhibitions will showcase the most innovative sustainable urban design projects, as well as a sampling of 80 gardens and park-like spaces. The IBA and the igs will revive Hamburg’s blue-collar district of Wilhelmsburg, drawing architecture aficionados and horticulture fans to this lesser-known part of Hamburg.
Poised to become the Mecca for garden enthusiasts and landscape designers, Hamburg is showcasing “80 Gardens around the World” on 100 acres on Hamburg’s Elbe river island of Wilhelmsburg, during the International Garden Show 2013 (igs). From April 26 until October 2013, seven horticultural themed sections are presenting unique gardens as well as cultures form around the world. These include the “World of Harbors” – very appropriate for the maritime host city of Hamburg – which focuses on international sea trade and selected port cities such as London, Mumbai and Singapore. The harbor-themed gardens are set artistically in a colorful shipping container landscape. Another garden theme centers on the five world religions, presented in five gardens set around a central fountain. The expected 2.5 million visitors can also learn about green initiatives and also experience the typical agricultural and horticultural landscapes of Northern Germany. Over 1000 events will complement the show with a full program of open-air activities, concerts, plays and gastronomic events.
Attempting to conquer the challenges of designing urban centers in the 21st century, Hamburg’s International Building Exhibition (IBA) is presenting innovative and sustainable solutions to current issues of urban and particularly inner city development from March 23 until November 3, 2013. The projects of the IBA –realized at a cost of Euro 700 million – are presented on 13.5 square miles of the densely populated multi-ethnic district of Wilhelmsburg, set across from the trendy new HafenCity. The IBA features more than 60 buildings, social programs, as well as cultural projects, and show how a large city can continue to grow while maintaining its ecological and social balance. Noteworthy are 17 new structures, including hybrid houses (for living and working), smart material dwellings (construction materials of the future), water houses (living on the water) and smart price buildings (affordable high quality housing).
Visitors can start their guided or self-guided tour at the Wilhelmsburg Mitte Information Center (Kurt-Emmerich-Platz 2), or take the environmentally friendly IBA hop-on, hop-off bus for a tour of selected projects (starts at IBA DOCK).
A free app can be downloaded from the event’s website http://www.iba-hamburg.de.
After the official closing of the igs, the area – which borders the IBA – will be transformed into a city park.
Hamburg is known as a “green” city. 50% of the city consists of woods, parks, and nature. Visitors wanting to experience the natural side of Hamburg, can explore the 14 mile trail along the Elbe river, stroll the romantic 115 acre Planten und Bloomen city park, or take an Alster lake or a harbor cruise.
Information on travel to Hamburg at www.hamburg-travel.com.
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Hamburg images can be downloaded at www.mediaserver.hamburg.de. Images for the IBA and igs are available upon request.
Media Contacts:
Kirsten Schmidt
kschmidt@kmscommunications.com
p/ 818-385-0631 (USA)
Guido Neumann
Director Media Relations
Hamburg Tourismus GmbH
guido.neumann@marketing.hamburg.de
p/ +49-40-41 11 10 – 617 (Germany)
