A reimagined landscape extends the natural geography of the river

The Attert river flows through the town of Bissen, shaping its layout. The crowded Grand-Rue Street, running perpendicular to the river, is the only way to access the downtown area. Elsewhere, a series of parallel streets follows the natural topography carved by the waterway.

At the project site, existing large trees are preserved. All new trees, shrubs, and groundcover plants are native species particularly well-adapted to local Luxembourgian soil and climate conditions. Planting composition is varied. The tree layer is composed of alternating oak (Quercus robur and Quercus petraea), linden (Tilia cordata), beech (Fagus sylvatica), and maple trees (Acer platanoides and Acer campestre).

The project site comprises two, distinct, large spaces: the Place de l’Immigration plaza and the naturalistic park at the southern end.

The Place de l’Immigration plaza is densely planted, featuring grading adapted to user flow. Local residents gather in the shade of the oak grove for markets, festivals, and weddings. Peaceful pathways extend and amplify the existing space, shaded by the new vegetation. The plaza is surfaced in natural stone pavers identical to those used throughout Bissen, creating a cohesive whole. Where lower user traffic permits, grass joints are favored to maximize rainwater infiltration. Visitors to the reimagined space cross the plaza to access both the park and the new footbridge spanning the river.

The naturalistic park at the southern end of the site is modeled after the area’s natural geography, an extension of the river’s riparian zone and vast floodplains. These floodplain landscapes frame views stretching into the distance and preserve natural habitats. In the park, a large central meadow provides the perfect place for relaxation, play, picnics, and more. The meadow is surrounded by a wooded band of trees (oak and European hornbeam), shrubs, and undergrowth. This perimeter landscape is rich in biodiversity while inconspicuously incorporating park infrastructure, including running trails, outdoor gym equipment, playgrounds, and learning vegetable gardens. Wooden benches dot the park paths. Closer to the waterfront, planting composition mirrors river wildlife, extending the riparian zone into the park. White willow (Salix alba), black alder (Alnus glutinosa), and poplar trees (Populus tremula) are added to the existing species.