behnisch architekten: the city + the arch + the river

german firm behnisch architekten, led by stefan behnisch and christof jantzen in collaboration with gehl architects, and stephen stimson associates are one of five architectural teams who are competing to invigorate the park and areas surrounding the gateway arch, including the missouri and illinois banks of the mississippi river. the gateway arch of st. louis, is international icon of stainless steel and concrete. the modernist masterpiece remains in striking paradox to its setting. already an impressive symbol, the urban national park has yet to achieve its full potential as an active catalyst for urban cohesion and renewal in this most centered american landscape.

invigorating a rich cultural and natural landscape such as this deserves a custom tailored team to address the unique and complex aspects of the project. ‘the city + the arch + the river’ demands the attention of inspired people relating to the fields of architecture, urban design and landscape architecture. thus, the triad of design leadership is initiated and conducted.

in considering the challenges of transforming the arch grounds, the greater st. louis region and the mississippi river, their design approach intends to utilize a strategic series of design moves, evolutionary in nature, to arrive at a transcendent, holistic, visionary statement – a ‘catalytic main event’ that resonates with an international community. the most significant part of any design rests in ‘civic sustainability’ – the ability to sustain the present and future needs and ambitions of a larger, diverse community.

site plan