(JUNE 26th 2013, Mannheim) Winy Maas presented a vision for a possible horticultural show as part of the transformations of the former US-barracks in Mannheim, Germany. MVRDV designed a vision for a part of the Bundesgartenschau BUGA 2023, Germany’s biennial Federal horticulture show. Mannheim has been chosen to organise the show in 2023 but will first hold a referendum in September to get support from its citizens. The prestigious show, which also covers topics like landscaping, has created a legacy of parks all over Germany; taking place in different cities, the location changes every two years. 

Mannheim mayor Dr. Peter Kurz said that “Mannheim would not need BUGA to create a park, but as an example as a convincing way to transform the former military areas.” In the city, which is near Frankfurt, the closing of US military installations is going to liberate 500ha worth of land, to be transformed, developed and re-integrated into the city fabric. Mannheim will decide in September whether or not to pursue its candidacy for the show.

MVRDV  last year won the World Horticultural Expo Floriade with the city of Almere, which will be opened in 2022 and is currently part of the competition to design Zaryadye Park in Moscow, located right next to the Red Square.