Is it possible to consume gardens?
Volker Kranz, a pioneer in the field of permaculture, has been making waves in the world of landscape design for decades. His latest project, a forest garden in Iraq, is set to revolutionize the way we think about sustainable green spaces.
In the heart of Iraq, a once barren land is now flourishing with figs, pomegranates, quinces, chestnuts, and mulberries. What was once a lawn is now a thriving forest garden, thanks to Kranz's innovative design. The path system in the garden manages rainwater by allowing it to seep into the ground during heavy rain, a feature that is crucial in the arid region.
Kranz, who founded his ecological landscape design company, baumrausch, in Bremen in 1995, has been instrumental in the transformation of the garden. The company, now with 35 employees, recently moved to a former horse farm on the outskirts of Bremen due to overcrowding.
The redesign of the Blue House Garden, as it is now known, is designed as a community building site where everyone can participate. The previous lawn and paved area have been replaced with trees, plants, and a green facade. Rainwater will be stored in cisterns and infiltration trenches, making the garden self-sufficient in water during dry spells.
In Bremen's Überseestadt, baumrausch has redesigned a plot for the Blue Caravan association. A natural garden with large beds of shrubs and seating areas has been created at the Wilhadi Church in Bremen-Walle by the company. The garden takes the heat out of the courtyard in summer, providing a cool and welcoming space for visitors.
Kranz values the multiple use of space, which is the basis of permaculture, a concept originally from Australia. He believes in creating spaces that not only look beautiful but also serve a purpose. This philosophy is evident in his work, as he often incorporates seating areas, edible plants, and rainwater management systems into his designs.
In Münster, where Kranz founded an ecological landscape design company at the age of 18, he was one of the first to bring the concept of permaculture to Germany. His work has inspired many, and more and more areas are being designed according to the permaculture idea, even in public spaces.
However, the future of the forest garden in Iraq is uncertain. The displaced Yezidi tribes wish to return to the area but cannot cultivate the barren land. An Iraqi NGO wants to continue the project and establish the first permaculture institute in Iraq due to their conviction in the concept. Kranz plans to return in October when construction begins, hoping to see the garden thrive and provide a sustainable solution for the community.
Meanwhile, Kranz is traveling to Tuscany to see the edible forest garden of author Cornelia Funke that he and his colleagues at baumrausch planned and designed. The project is a testament to Kranz's commitment to sustainable and innovative landscape design. As he continues to work on projects around the world, it is clear that Volker Kranz is a force to be reckoned with in the field of permaculture.
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